Carole S. Gerber

With profound sadness and deep love, we announce the death of our mother, Carole Gerber, who passed away at her home in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina on December 12th, 2024. Carole was a beloved mother, grandmother, author, and friend.

Carole was born on October 5, 1947, in Cincinnati, Ohio, to Frank and Ruth Marple. She built her life and career in Ohio, earning her Master's degree in journalism from Ohio State University and making her home in the Columbus area for more than 50 years. A gifted writer, Carole authored nearly two dozen picture books, early readers, and chapter books that can be found in libraries worldwide. Her legacy as an educator and author extends to approximately 100 elementary science and reading texts that have shaped young minds across generations. We are proud that her creative spirit lives on through her final children's book, titled “Venus Flytrap: Queen of the meat-eating plants,” which will be published in 2025.

Carole’s passion for storytelling was matched by her love of reading. She was an avid reader of historical fiction and biographies, and she was a dedicated member of her book club. For 35 years, she practiced yoga with what she always described, in her characteristically self-deprecating way, as "more enthusiasm than skill." She also was a passionate supporter of World Vision and Feed My Starving Children – sponsoring many children over her lifetime. 

In 2019, Carole embarked on a new chapter of her life, moving to Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, with her then-husband of more than 40 years, Mark, to live near her daughter Jess and three of her grandkids. She loved the warm weather, taking long walks outdoors, gardening and book club. The past two years were made especially meaningful by her loving relationship with her partner, Jack, who brought so much happiness to her life.

Above all else, Carole was a devoted grandmother – or “ Mimi," as she was known to her five beloved grandchildren: Sara, Tyler, Joanna, Hazel, and Grant. She taught her older grandkids how to make Starbucks-quality chai tea lattes at home, and she regularly hosted sleepovers for the younger grandkids – always lovingly feeding them hot dogs, baked beans, and lots of sugary treats.

She leaves behind her daughters and their families: Paige and her husband, Tom, and Jess and her husband, Ben. She will be deeply missed by her many long-time friends who were touched by her warmth, wit, and generous spirit, and whose friendships were deeply meaningful to her.

We celebrate the remarkable and resilient woman she was – author, mother, grandmother, friend, and eternal optimist. She will be loved and missed always.

While no specific arrangements have been planned yet, the family will celebrate Carole with a memorial gathering in Ohio in the spring or summer. In lieu of flowers, please consider sending a donation in Carole’s name to WorldVision.org.