Carol Ann Binion

Carol was born on January 28, 1946, in Philadelphia, PA. As the daughter of an Air Force Officer, she spent her childhood traveling the country and living at several Air Force bases, including Ellington AFB in Pasadena, Texas; Fairchild AFB in Spokane, Washington; Norton AFB in San Bernardino, California; Mountain Home AFB in Idaho; Castle AFB in Merced, California; Carswell AFB in Fort Worth, Texas; and Barksdale AFB in Shreveport, Louisiana. It was in Shreveport that she met the love of her life, John Binion of Rayville, Louisiana.

Carol and John were married for 47 years. They made their home in Pensacola, where they raised their two children, Jim and Cathy. Together, they built a life centered on faith, family, hard work, and community. John preceded Carol in death on October 14, 2010.

Carol was known for her tireless work ethic and caring heart. While raising her family, she stayed busy throwing newspapers while attending nursing school. During her paper route days, she could often be heard on her CB radio using the handle “Paper Doll.” Through determination and dedication, she earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing and went on to serve for more than 30 years in the oncology departments at Baptist Hospital and Sacred Heart Hospital. Having lost both of her parents to cancer, Carol had a special compassion for her patients and their families. To many, she was truly an angel during some of life’s most difficult moments.

Carol and John were deeply involved in their children’s activities throughout the years, supporting baseball, scouts, band, and later becoming enthusiastic season ticket holders when Pensacola welcomed its Ice Flyers hockey team. They also shared a love for bowling at the old Felton’s Lanes, where Carol enjoyed spending time playing pinball before later discovering a love for Nintendo’s Donkey Kong with her grandchildren.

Carol loved games of every kind. Whether it was cards, Yahtzee, or BINGO, she brought joy, laughter, and friendly competition wherever she went.

She is survived by her son, Jim Binion and wife Sue; her daughter, Cathy Chellette and husband Richard; and her sister, Nancy Powell and husband Don. She also leaves behind grandchildren (Codi Garland, Branden Zavitz, Reid Binion), great grandchild (Luna Garland), her sister-in-law's Gail Jenkins and her husband Dan, Neely Brown and her husband Randy. extended family, friends, former coworkers, and countless patients and families whose lives were touched by her kindness and compassion.

Carol will be remembered for her servant’s heart, her strength, her sense of fun, and the deep love she had for her family and friends. Her legacy of compassion and devotion will continue to live on in all who knew and loved her.

A visitation will be held at Eastern Gate Memorial Funeral Home, 1985 West Nine Mile Road, Pensacola, FL 325349377, US, on May 18, 2026, from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm.

A committal service will be held at Eastern Gate Memorial Gardens, 1985 West Nine Mile Road, Pensacola, FL 325349377, US, on May 18, 2026, from 3:00 pm to 3:30 pm.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to American Cancer Society, www.cancer.org/donate