Carol Ann Carlan Otts

Carol Ann Carlan Otts was born on December 9th, 1935. She was the third child of Loy and Eleanor Carlan in Defuniak Springs, Florida.

Carol spent her early life in Defuniak Springs, graduating from Walton County High School. In 1957, she graduated with a Bachelor of Science from the School of Home Economics at Florida State University.

She began her teaching career in the Escambia County School District at Bellview Middle School and later taught 7th grade science at Warrington Middle School. She continued her education at Florida State University, earning a Masters of Science in Health Education before becoming the Supervisor of Health Services for Escambia County in 1969. In 1973, she became the Coordinator of Drug Education for Escambia County Schools and a Child Find Specialist for the Florida Division of Learning Disabilities in 1977. Carol compassionately served the school district for 36 years.

Carol was an active member of her community, including involvement in the Junior Women’s Club, City County Drug Abuse Commission, and the Florida State Textbook Council. She was a founding board member of the Pensacola Zoo. She also served on the Florida State Health and Safety Committee and as a president of the Epilepsy Society.

Carol was a philanthropist, believing in volunteerism and giving to those less fortunate. She was a faithful member of First United Methodist Church of Pensacola, and enjoyed many years of fellowship and service.

During the last few decades of her life, she spent most of her time devoted to family. She never missed an opportunity to speak of her children and grandchildren and their accomplishments. When she wasn’t with family, you could often find her sitting in her favorite chair working in her ever-growing collection of puzzles and puzzle books.

Carol was predeceased by brothers Cecil and Charles Carlan, sister Eleanor Jean Bryant, and grandson Christopher Matthew Otts.

She is survived by her daughters Lisa (Sharon) DePriest and Linda (Chuck) Quinn of Pensacola, Florida; grandchildren Christen (Dereck) Alred, Coral (Mike) Perniciaro, and Lauren Maxie; great grandchildren Zachary Combs, Maxwell Alred, Isabella Perniciaro, Emma Perniciaro, Hawk Maxie, and Luna Maxie; her sister Barbara Bass of Labelle, Florida; and many cousins, nieces, nephews, and lifelong friends.

A celebration of Carol’s life will be held on Thursday, January 18th, 2024 at 2:00 pm. The service will be held in the First United Methodist Church Chapel on 6 E Wright Street, Pensacola, FL 32501. Dr. Henry Roberts will be officiating the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial gifts be made to a charitable organization of your choice.