Carol Cholar McGahee

Carol Jean Cholar McGahee, born on November 25, 1956, in Fort Gordon, Richmond County, Georgia, passed away peacefully on January 19, 2026, at Wellstar MCG Hospital in Augusta, after a hard-fought battle with cancer. She was surrounded by her family during her transition into eternity, a testament to the love and support she cultivated throughout her life.

Carol was a proud lifelong resident of Wrens, Georgia. Her education was important to her, and she graduated from Wrens High School in 1974. She further pursued her academic dreams by earning a degree in Child Psychology from Tift College in 1978. After college she worked for Stapleton Garment Company and the Huddle House in Wrens. With a nurturing spirit, Carol devoted her professional life to the Jefferson County Board of Education, where she worked first as a custodian and later fulfilled her dream of becoming a paraprofessional. Her love for children and dedication to their well-being left a lasting impact on many young lives.

Outside of her professional life, Carol was known for her charming personality. She was nurturing, easy to talk to, and comforting—a true straight shooter who always put others' needs before her own. Carol was fiercely independent and lent a helping hand to anyone in need.

Her interests in life were varied; she loved spending time with her family, especially her cherished grandchildren. She was an avid reader across many genres and enjoyed playing board games, holding an unbeatable record at Scrabble. In later years, Carol took up crocheting, creating beautiful blankets that she made for her grandchildren, showcasing her creativity and warmth.

Carol is survived by her loving sons, John Clifford McGahee (Carli) and Joshua Thomas McGahee (Ana); her grandchildren—Carson Hayes, Tessa Hayes, Alex McGahee, Abigail McGahee, Mary McGahee, Natalia McDaniel, John McGahee, Gracie McGahee, Malachi McGahee, Kyle Jones, and Jeremy Jones; and her great-grandchildren, Kyleigh Jones, Taylynn Jones, and Madilynn Jones. She is also survived by her siblings, Julia Russell, Nancy Rabun (Mike), John Andrew Cholar Jr., and Marie Boswell (Drew), as well as numerous nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Alberta Mae Elam Cholar and John Andrew Cholar Sr.; her bonus mom, Cornelia "Connie" Henderson Cholar; her bonus daughter, Tracie Lynn Jones; and her granddaughter, Savannah Reese McGahee.

A visitation will be held from 12:00 – 2:00PM, Thursday, January 22, 2026, James Funeral Home. Following the visitation, a funeral service will start at 2:00 PM with Rev. Chad Watkins officiating. Interment will follow at Waldens Church Cemetery in Avera. Honored to serve as pallbearers include Kyle Jones, Jeremey Jones, Karl Rabun, Donald Rabun, Jesse Boswell and Cody Dalton.

Carol Jean Cholar McGahee will be remembered fondly for her kindness, dedication, and the profound impact she made on the lives of children and family alike. Her legacy of love will continue to resonate in the hearts of all who knew her.