Gail McGee Manter

Mrs. Gail McGee Manter, 73, of Hartwell entered her eternal home in the early hours of March 5, 2026 at Manor Lake Assisted Living in Athens, GA surrounded by loved ones.

Born on April 30, 1952 in Anderson, SC, she was the daughter of the late Theron O. McGee and Ellen Evans McGee. Gail was an active member of Hartwell First Methodist Church.

Survivors include two sisters: Angie M. Gurley and Jana M. McGee (Bill) all of Hartwell and two nephews: Jim Gurley, Jr. and Josh Gurley (Ashley) along with James and KelleyAnn, her beloved great-niece and nephew whom she adored! A host of friends also survive. Gail was preceded in death by her parents as well as the love of her life, her husband, Tom Manter.

Gail was an honor graduate of Hart County High School and the Grady School of Journalism at the University of Georgia.

Although Gail grew up as a member of the Hartwell Methodist Church, she was active in various churches as well throughout her life. She used her God-given talent of singing to grace multiple church choirs. She also was instrumental in creating new Sunday School classes and led numerous Bible Study groups.

Gail was a woman of many talents. Her love for photography was evident in the way she tenderly worked photographing children and her great love of posing beautiful brides on their special day. If anyone ever needed a master photographer, they immediately thought of Gail. She photographed numerous birthday parties, anniversaries, and other special occasions throughout her life.

Gail was also an accomplished artist. As a young child, she was extremely gifted in free-hand drawing and painting. In later life, Gail reveled in creating beautiful jewelry for special friends and participating in fundraising events in which her jewelry was sold.

Gail was also an accomplished writer, serving as a guest columnist for the Hartwell Sun in her later years. She orchestrated numerous human interest stories and wrote about real-life situations in Hartwell and beyond that captured the interest of friends as well as new acquaintances.

Paramount to Gail’s many accomplishments was her true servant’s heart. Gail loved to help people in any way she could. This was especially evident in the way she lovingly mentored volunteers as a part of her work as Volunteer Manager at Odyssey Hospice in Athens, GA. Gail’s loving and caring personality was infectious and her zealous devotion to her clients made her a perfect fit for this position.

Gail’s deep Faith was evident in every walk of life. Along with Mrs. Jo Harris and Jo’s daughter, Frankie, Gail was instrumental in establishing the “Glory Girls” a group of women who loved the Lord. The group quickly grew in number which led to multiple retreats, Bible Studies, and gatherings throughout Georgia and South Carolina. Gail’s artistic talent was once again employed as she took lead in developing flyers, emails, posters, and lovingly creating special gifts for the participants.

Gail wished to be cremated, and a service will be held Sunday, March 8, 2026 at 4:00 p.m. at the Hartwell First Methodist Church with Dr. R. Allen Stewart and Rev. Matt Parker officiating. A reception will follow in the church fellowship hall.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Hartwell First Methodist Church Building Fund, 200 E. Howell Street, Hartwell, GA 30643.

The family would like to thank a very special friend and caretaker, Pam Shropshire, for the many acts of love and kindness shown to Gail in her final years. They would also like to extend a heartfelt “thank you” to the staff and caretakers at Manor Lake Assisted Living as well as private sitters who made Gail’s last days much more comfortable. Your kindness will never be forgotten!

The Strickland Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Hartwell is assisting the family with all of the arrangements.