Lydia Jackson McCarroll

Lydia Marie Jackson McCarroll, 80, of Atlanta, GA, passed away on September 17, 2025. Born on May 31, 1945, in St. Louis, MO, Lydia attended Villa Duchesne and Maryville College in St. Louis, where she met her adoring husband of 58 years, Patrick McCarroll.

Never one to sit still, Lydia embraced a variety of roles throughout her life, including working in retail, volunteering at the Atlanta Botanical Gardens, teaching preschool, gardening, and—most of all—doting on her grandchildren.

Lydia is survived by her husband, Patrick, and their three children: Billy McCarroll (Jessica), Kathy Olmstead (George), and Jennifer Dana (Deemer). She also leaves behind her beloved grandchildren: Nate Olmstead, Jackson Dana, Rowe McCarroll, and Berkeley Dana; her sister Kathy Finn (Reed); her brother Bob Jackson; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Rosemary and Bill Jackson; her brother, Richard Jackson, and his wife, Linda; and her grandson, Lowell Olmstead.

Lydia was known for her hearty laugh, strong opinions, fierce independence, and unwavering convictions. Her life was not always easy, and her relationships were sometimes challenging, but she shaped those around her in lasting and meaningful ways.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, October 3rd at H.M. Patterson & Son Arlington Chapel, 173 Allen Rd NE, Sandy Springs, GA 30328. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), or a charity of your choice.