Carla Jo Gates

Carla Jo Gates passed away on Saturday, September 19, 2026.

Visitation: 5:00 - 7:00 pm Tuesday, September 29, 2026 at Thompson’s Harveson & Cole Funeral Home, 4350 River Oaks Blvd., Fort Worth.

Service: 11:00 am Wednesday, September 30, 2026 in the Leonard Chapel at First United Methodist Church, 800 W. 5th Street, Fort Worth, with Dr. Mike Marshall officiating.

Interment: Laurel Land Memorial Park, Fort Worth.

Carla was born January 2, 1939, in Alexandria, Louisiana, to Theo and Roy Rice. She was a 1957 graduate of Paschal High School and went on to earn her degree in education from Texas Tech University, where she was a proud member of Pi Beta Phi.

Teaching was more than a career for Carla; it was something she truly loved. She taught Pre-K for the Fort Worth Independent School District for many years, touching the lives of countless young children and helping give them their first start in the classroom. Her love for children and education remained an important part of who she was throughout her life.

Carla was a longtime member of First United Methodist Church and was active in the Fort Worth community. She was a member of The Woman’s Club of Fort Worth DAR and enjoyed her book and bridge clubs, where she treasured both the activities and, even more, the friendships that came with them.

She loved to travel, especially taking cruises with her late husband Walter, together they visited over four continents. But some of her happiest times were simply those spent surrounded by family and friends. Carla valued the people in her life and the time they shared together.

She is survived by her daughter, Mandy Swartz and husband, Ted; son, Conly Brewer and wife, Dawn; grandchildren, Angie, Jack, Wyatt, Madeline and Savannah; great-grandchildren, Lexi, Cade and Clara; brother, Bill Rice and wife, Celia; numerous nieces and nephews; extended family; and a host of friends.