Isla Carol Anthony (Ma) Waggoner

Isla Carol Anthony (Ma) Waggoner, 85, of Dawsonville, GA, passed away on April 4, 2025, leaving behind her children Jill Waggoner Morris (Greg), Jeff Thomas Waggoner (Lisa) and Jon Garrett Waggoner (Kammi), as well as many other loving family members and friends. Mrs. Waggoner and her late husband, Tommy, were married for 62 years and were completely devoted to one another.

Carol was born in Birmingham, AL on October 31, 1939, and she believed Halloween was a day when everyone dressed up to celebrate her birthday.

Carol graduated from Ensley High School, where she was head cheerleader and a Class Favorite. Later that year, in 1957, she headed to Auburn University and until her death, Carol still talked about Auburn’s 1957 National Championship. She was a devoted Auburn fan all of her life, genuinely believing that what she wore, where she sat, and most importantly, how fervently she prayed were the most important contributions as to whether Auburn won each game.

In 1959 Carol met Tommy on a blind date. Six months later, on April 14, 1960, they were married. Carol and Tommy were long time members of the Church of Christ where they established many lifetime friendships. Their entire lives, especially the years they raised their children, were spent in service to the Church, each time the doors were opened.

Carol worked for almost 30 years and retired from the Dekalb County School System. She taught Special Education at Cross Keys, Druid Hills, and Henderson High Schools. Later, she became the computer specialist for both Fernbank and Austin Elementary Schools.

Carol was known for her quick sense of humor, her enthusiastic storytelling, her love for her family and country, and her devotion to the Church. She had a compassion and concern for others that drove her to serve and please, all while entertaining and blessing everyone she met. She taught her children and her students that careful preparation and attention to detail were very important, but even so, were less important than notice and concern to the feelings of others. She never met a stranger and couldn’t stand to see anyone suffer, no matter what the cause of the suffering.

In addition to her children, Carol leaves behind nine grandchildren, Chris Waggoner, Sullivan Poole (Sarah), Katie Waggoner, Jake Morris, Colin Poole (Olivia), Rett Waggoner (Emily Anne), Zack Waggoner, and Emery Waggoner and one great grandchild, Ellie Poole as well as nieces and nephews.

Carol was preceded in death by her husband, Tommy, her father Garrett Anthony, her mother Edna Earl Anthony, her sister Edna Earl Echols (Bill Echols), and grandson Sean Garrett Poole.

Affectionately known as “Ma” to her grandchildren, Carol was adored and respected by all who knew her and will be greatly missed.