Carol Meyer

Carol McCunniff Meyer, age 94, passed peacefully at her home on Sunday October 4, 2026 in Arlington, VA, surrounded by her loving children after a brief illness. Carol was the wife of the late General Edward C. Meyer and was the “First Lady of the Army” while her husband served as Army Chief of Staff.

She was born on January 30, 1932, to Dennis (Brig. General) and Helen “Honey” McCunniff in Ft. Benning, GA. Born an “Army Brat,” Carol embraced the life of pride and service that came with it. After years of moving from post to post, her family settled in Denver, CO, where she immediately fell in love with “her mountains.” Summers spent in Estes Park began a lifelong love for what she called her “slice of heaven on earth.”

Carol graduated with her beloved sister, Nancy, from Gulf Park College in Mississippi in 1953 and soon became the first woman in her family to enter the workforce, working as a TV art director for WRBL in Columbus, GA. In 1954, she met the love of her life, 1st Lt. Edward “Shy” Meyer. They married soon after and began a deeply loving partnership that would last for more than 66 years.

Her love of football, especially Army and the Redskins, was punctuated by an enthusiastic spirit she brought to every game. She was wonderfully creative, with talents in painting, sewing, knitting, fashion and interior design. She loved bringing people together and celebrating the milestones and holidays that made family life so special. Her elaborate Christmas celebrations earned her the beloved nickname “Christmas Carol”.

Carol will be remembered most of all for the extraordinary way she loved. She was thoughtful and generous, with a gift for making everyone feel seen, welcomed and loved. That love embodied her Catholic faith, the heart of who she was.

She is predeceased by her husband, her parents, her brother Tom McCunniff (Colonel), her sister Nancy Hartnell, her granddaughter Olivia Rose and her dearest cousin, Tad Tritch. She is survived by her five children: Tom (Gretchen) Meyer of Asheville, NC, Tim (Lindsay) Meyer of McLean, VA, Doug (Barbara) Meyer of Marlborough, CT, Nancy (Michael Cartellone) Meyer of New York City, and Stuart Meyer of Royersford, PA; seven grandchildren, who adored their Cho Cho as much as she adored them: Thomas (Lauren Schofield), Josh (Becky), Christy, Lauren, Mia, Caroline and Ethan; three great-grandchildren: Kieran, Bailey and Riley.

Her family is deeply grateful to the many friends and caregivers who loved and supported Carol, especially those in the Ft. Myer Catholic faith community, The Representative and Assisting Hands.

Carol’s wake, funeral Mass and burial at Arlington National Cemetery will be scheduled at a future date.

Go Army! Beat Navy!