Carolyn Lee Welford Garst

Carolyn Lee Welford Garst, 76, passed away at home in San Antonio, Texas March 30, 2019. She will be remembered for her stoic elegance, intelligence, quick wit, loyal friendship, fortitude, empathy and a loving spirit she generously extended to her many family members and friends. Her resilience was fierce, yet graceful, and a determination to know meaningful time with her grandchildren, whom she cherished, helped to sustain her during lengthy illness until receiving the precious gift of life, double lung transplantation 14 years ago. Known as 'Honey' to her grandchildren, she stewarded the time and gift of health well, sharing with them a love of classical music, cinema, art, poker, baking, pets and gardening. We are better today because of her example, lessons, and love.

She was born in Houston, Texas on August 2, 1942, to parents Alta Lee and William Boyd Welford. Carolyn attended Lamar High School, followed by Sam Houston State University where she earned a degree in elementary education and was a sorority member of Alpha Delta Pi. She taught primary school until staying home to raise three daughters. She was involved with the Assistance League of Houston, was a docent at the McNay Art Museum, attended First Presbyterian Church in San Antonio, and Westlake Hills Presbyterian Church in Austin where she volunteered her time at 'The Gathering', a respite care ministry for people living with dementia.

She is preceded in death by her beloved daughter, Erin Claire Garst; mother, Alta Lee Welford; father, William Boyd Welford and James Henry Garst.

She is survived by her daughters, Leslie Garst Vogl and Meredith Garst Ames; grandchildren, James Henry Vogl, Thomas Harold Vogl III, Joseph Robert Vogl, Madeleine McLeod Wood, George Henry Ames; son-in-law, George Scott Ames and numerous other family members and friends.

Services will be held on Tuesday, April 9 at 1pm at Forest Park Cemetery, 12800 Westheimer Rd., Houston and on Wednesday, April 10 at 1:30pm at First Presbyterian Church, 404 N. Alamo, San Antonio.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the University Health System Foundation Transplant Fund, P.O. Box 33038, San Antonio, TX 78265-3038, www.universityhealthsystem.com/donate-online, select Transplant Fund or to the Leukemia Lymphoma Society, 1218 Arion Parkway #102, San Antonio, TX 78216, www.lls.org.