Mary Carolyn Garrison

Carolyn was born on February 17, 1944, to Charles and Opal Castle in Portsmouth, Virginia. Her family later moved to Interlachen, Florida where she was raised. As a teenager, Carolyn enjoyed attending the youth group at the local Methodist Church. This is where she met the love of her life, Howard Earl Garrison. Many days were spent pulling Howard’s boat to Lake Mariner with his tractor to water ski with friends and family. She and Howard later enjoyed hanging out at Angel’s Diner in Palatka, Florida’s oldest diner in operation since 1932. She also enjoyed working at the Registrar’s Office at the University of Florida in Gainesville, Florida.

In 1963, Howard proposed to Carolyn in advance of enlistment in the United States Air Force on June 28, 1963.

On October 17, 1963 Howard and Carolyn were married at Keesler AFB in Biloxi, MS. They began married life in San Antonio where Howard was stationed at Lackland AFB. Later, their assignment moved to Roswell, NM on Walker AFB. This is where their first daughter, Tracy Lee was born. There were subsequent assignments including Castle AFB in Merced, CA before leaving the USAF in July 27, 1967.

After Howard’s military service he and Carolyn relocated to Fort Walton Beach, FL to become civilian contractors for the USAF. After a short period of time, Howard and Carolyn were blessed with their next daughter, Cynthia Lynn, born November 21, 1968 at Eglin AFB, Fort Walton Beach, FL. Once that contract ended, the family settled in Tallahassee, Florida. It is there where Mary lived the rest of her life, enjoying each day to it’s fullest.

Mary held positions in local medical offices and was employed for many years by Gayfer’s Department Store in Tallahassee, however, Mary’s primary love and focus was on her beloved husband of 60 years, their two daughters and eventually her grandchildren.

Mary enjoyed the outdoors, particularly St. George Island and spending time on the lake with Howard bass fishing or at local bass tournaments. She cherished sunshine and spending time in the pool with family and friends. She had a vivacious, fun-loving personality and was adored by all. Mary loved music and enjoyed either going out dancing or hosting parties at their home with friends and loved ones on a regular basis in the early years. She also enjoyed dancing with her daughters in the living room, long enjoyable talks around the dinner table and sitting outside in the garage visiting with family and friends. She was a beloved mother, daughter, sister, aunt and friend and will be sorely missed by all.

Mary is preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Opal Castle, her beloved sister, Vesta Cleone Stock, her brother Buddy Castle and her grandson, Clay Bozeman. Mary is survived by her husband, Howard, and their daughters: Tracy Forrester (Jeff), Cindy Dickinson (David); her grandchildren: Gunner Dickinson and Gavin Dickinson (Kate); Will Forrester (Katie) and Kevin Forrester; and her great-grandchildren: Beau and Maggie Dickinson and Paisley Forrester; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Mary’s life will be held from 3 – 5 pm on January 6th Culley's Meadow Wood Funeral Home, 1737 Riggins Road in Tallahassee. A private family inurnment will be held on January 8th at Tallahassee National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or to Alzheimer's Association

P.O. Box 96011, Washington, DC 20090-6011.