Carol G. Hagel

Carol G. Hagel, a loving mother, devoted wife, and cherished member of her community, passed away peacefully on March 19, 2026. Born on June 2, 1945, Carol lived a life filled with love, warmth, and generosity that touched the hearts of all who knew her.

Carol was a woman for whom family was everything. Married for 53 years to her beloved husband, Donald Hagel, their partnership was a testament to enduring love and commitment. Carol’s heart opened especially wide when she and Donald joyfully adopted their son, Jacob, on August 28, 1987, welcoming him into a family rich with care and support. Carol was not only a loving mom to Jacob but also a beacon of happiness and warmth to her nieces and nephews, radiating joy in every encounter.

Her home was a gathering place, filled with the aroma of her love-infused cooking and the delicate beauty of her favorite flower, the pink rose. Carol’s devotion to God guided her daily life, inspiring those around her through her faith and kindness. She was a person whose smile could brighten any room, and whose presence brought comfort and delight—a true joy to be around.

Carol’s roots ran deep, nurtured by the love of her mother, Anne Harvey Gilliland, and surrounded by a large, caring family. She is survived by her husband, Donald Hagel; her son, Jacob Hagel; her mother, Anne Harvey Gilliland; her niece, Allison Jones (Chris); her nephew, Richard Alan McGuire (Stephanie); and great nieces Carlin Jones Beddingfield (Jake), Emory Hope Jones, Anna Grace Jones, Lily Rivers McGuire, and Adeline Rose McGuire. She also leaves behind cherished relatives, her aunt and uncle Eugenia and Melvin Winfrey, who shared in her life’s joys and sorrows. Carol is also survived by her brother-in-law, John Hagel (Helen).

Carol was preceded in death by her father, Grover Gilliland, and her sister, Sylvia Diane Grady—loved family members whose memories she treasured deeply.

The family will receive visitors at Bethel Baptist Church in Snead, Alabama, on March 23, 2026, starting at 10:00 a.m., where a visitation will continue until 11:00 a.m. This time will honor Carol's beautiful spirit and the many lives she touched. The funeral service will follow at 11:00 a.m. at the same location, celebrating a life well-lived and the love she so freely gave. Burial will take place at 12:00 p.m. in the church’s grounds, where family and friends will gather to say their final goodbyes.

Carol L. Hagel’s legacy is one of faithful love, warm hospitality, and unwavering devotion to her family and faith. Her caring soul will be deeply missed, yet fondly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her. May her memory be a blessing and her spirit forever rest in peace.

Snead Funeral Home is honored to serve the Hagel Family!