Nancy Caryol McLaughlin

Nancy Caryol (Parsons) McLaughlin 75, of Austin, Texas passed away peacefully Friday, December 25, 2015 at The Lodge at Rocky Hollow, Georgetown, TX. Born in Flint, MI on October 28, 1940 the only child of the late Charles Leonard and Effie Mae (Poole) Parsons. She lived in Butler, AL for over 40 years before moving to Texas 7 years ago. She is survived by her husband Robert W. McLaughlin, COL (USA Retired); 2 daughters Dana Lynn Tripoli of Pensacola, FL and Robin Lee O'Connor (James Gerard O'Connor) of Austin, TX; two stepchildren Barbara McLaughlin Stephens (Robert Stephens) of Peachtree City, GA and stepson Robert W. McLaughlin, Jr. (Lisa) of San Antonio, TX.; eight grandchildren: Amanda Tripoli Macon, Zachery Parsons Tripoli, Patrick Ryan O'Connor, Timothy Gerard O'Connor, Michael Leonard O'Connor, Elizabeth O'Connor Sumpter, Sarah Stephens, and Rachel Stephens; and three great grandchildren: Olivia Macon, Ella Sumpter, and Emmi Sumpter.

A 1962 graduate of the University of Michigan with Bachelors of Arts in Education, Nancy went on to earn her Masters in Education from Livingston University (currently University of West Alabama) in 1977. She loved being an educator and taught students at East Choctaw Elementary and Butler Elementary before accepting the position of assistant principal at Choctaw County High School in 1983. After more than 40 years with the Choctaw County school system, she retired in 2002 . Many students and fellow teachers remember her for her organizational skills and her willingness to always help in anyway that she could.

In 1998, Nancy married Robert W. McLaughlin, COL (USA Retired) in a mountainside chapel in Gatlinburg, TN. A consummate bridge player, she enjoyed the weekly competition with her bridge club. Other activities that kept her busy were cross stitching gifts for friends and family, painting, hanging wallpaper, and reading the latest best seller. However, she got the most joy out of spoiling all of her grandchildren. Nancy's daughters both agree that their mother's selflessness and high expectations contributed to the successful women they have become.

A memorial service will be held sometime in the spring at the Rhode Island Veterans Memorial Cemetery,

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer's Association. www.alz.org