Carole Winkenwerder Anderson

Carole was born in Asheville, North Carolina. She was raised in a quiet mountain town that has since become a tourist mecca. She was the oldest child of William Winkenwerder and Martha Baker Winkenwerder Loew. She grew up in a family that had been generationally involved in the hotel and hospitality industry. Those formative years imparted a natural comfort in what would later become one of her greatest talents, cooking and entertaining with southern charm.

After graduating from Lee Edwards High School in Asheville in 1968, Carole attended Brenau College, and graduated from the University of Georgia in 1972. She soon began teaching elementary school briefly in Asheville, but warmer weather and a desire for excitement led her to Tampa, Florida. Her aunt, Alice Luckey, quickly helped secure her a teaching job. Simultaneously, close friends and family knew a young lawyer in town who just might be the perfect fit for Carole. A blind date was arranged, and a match was made. The beginning of a lifelong partnership was formed. In 1976, she married Timothy Gordon Anderson Sr., embarking on a 43 year marriage that ended with Tim’s passing in 2019. In addition to raising a family in Tampa, for decades, Carole and Tim also enjoyed parallel lives and friendships in the Reems Creek area near Weaverville, North Carolina.

For several years, Carole spent time as a realtor where her conversation skills forged lifelong friendships. She also provided early assistance at her husband’s budding law practice, which laid the foundation for a firm that still represents the injured over 35 years later.

Carole was an active member in many Tampa organizations over the years. The Junior League of Tampa, the Chiselers, the Culbreath Bayou Garden Club, the Tri Delta Tampa Alumnae Chapter, The Palma Ceia Women’s Golf Association, and the former Hillsborough County Bar Auxiliary all put Carole to work in various roles.

A generous host, Carole never missed an opportunity to entertain friends. She had a special gift for cooking something delicious to compliment every occasion. Whether it was a Thanksgiving feast, a legendary Christmas or New Years party, a Madeira Beach cookout, or celebrating the 4th of July with a mountain barbeque, Carole always helmed the kitchen with a smile. The more was always merrier at Tim and Carole Anderson’s house.

However, most important to Carole was her family. She was a devoted mother, daughter, wife, sister, and “Gee Gee.” She was a great listener and sincere supporter of her loved ones as they pursued their talents and achieved their goals. In more recent years as the family grew, she was always a quick phone call away and eager to hear about everyone’s latest adventure. In earlier years she was in the middle of the action, keeping her home inviting and welcoming to all. She loved a long conversation on the phone, around the dinner table, or on the patio where she would be happy to give you her opinion on any issue of the day. She excelled at keeping her family on track and simultaneously used her gift of hospitality to include friends along the way. Her grandchildren brought her a great deal of joy in the latter part of her life. She lovingly called them “precious children” and delighted in their company.

Carole was a member of Palma Ceia Golf and Country Club and Hyde Park United Methodist Church.

Carole is survived by her sons Timothy Gordon Anderson Jr. (Rosemary), and Matthew Anderson, of Tampa, Florida, step-daughter Kara Anderson (Steve) of Jacksonville, Florida, brothers Dr. William Winkenwerder Jr. (Pride) of Asheville, North Carolina, and John Winkenwerder (Cindy) of Asheville, North Carolina. She also leaves behind grandchildren Timothy Gordon Anderson III, Lacey Anderson, Shelby Gogulski, and Gordon Gogulski, and many cousins, nieces, and nephews whom she held dear.

A celebration of Carole’s life will take place at Hyde Park United Methodist Church on Friday September 26, 2025 at 11am. In lieu of flowers please consider donating to Bay Area Legal Services, Hyde Park United Methodist Church, or a charity of your choice.