Carolyn Lowe Garbe

Carolyn was born to J.W. and Flossie Lowe on March 28, 1942, in Gadsden, Alabama. She was a proud graduate of Gadsden City High School and married the love of her life, James Garbe, on May 12, 1967. Being a mother to her daughter, Michelle, was one of her greatest joys. Carolyn found her deepest happiness in her family and was a loving grandmother to Blake, Tyler, and Victoria, and a cherished great-grandmother to William, Zoe, and Margaret.

Carolyn had a remarkable career with Home Interiors and a natural gift for decorating homes and just about anything she touched. In 1987, she and Jim opened Preferred Mortgage, where she took pride in helping families achieve the dream of homeownership. Over the years, she lovingly built and designed more than a dozen homes, each reflecting her creativity and care. She also had a deep love for Pomeranians and proudly showed and bred champion dogs.

A devoted member of Meadowbrook Baptist Church, Carolyn lived her faith through the way she cared for others. She loved her family with her whole heart and always made sure everyone was looked after. One of her favorite places was Destin, Florida, where she and Jim built a home and created treasured memories filled with laughter, love, and time spent with family and friends.

Carolyn is survived by her grandchildren: Blake Erwin (Angela), Tyler Erwin, and Victoria Hollar (Zac); her cherished great-grandchildren: William, Zoe, and Margaret; her sister-in-laws, Rachel Garbe Stewart, and Lynne Lowe; her nephew, Matt Garbe; her nieces, Jeannie Garbe and Pam Hutchison (Gary); her great-niece, Anna Bothwell (Zach); and her great-nephews, Justin and Jonathon Lowe.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Jim Garbe; her daughter, Michelle Garbe; her parents, J.W. and Flossie Lowe; her sister, Anita Mobley; and her brother, Bobby Lowe.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to her devoted sitters Reva Humphrey, Hannah Renfroe, Amanda Duckworth, Kourtney Langford, Courtney Mink, Clara Melton, and Christy Alexander whose kindness and care meant so much.

Her love lives on through her family, who will forever cherish the lessons she taught and the memories she made.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, January 16, 2026, at Collier-Butler Funeral Home. Rev. Randy Gunter will officiate. Burial will follow at Williams Southside Cemetery. The family will accept friends from 10:00 am until the hour of the service at the funeral home.