Carol Bartlett Stafford, of Waco, passed away March 4, 2020 after courageously living her last two years with lung cancer.
Service Information: Memorial Service will be held 11:00 a.m., Monday, March 9, 2020 at Lake Shore Funeral Home Chapel. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.
Carol was born July 8, 1943 to Judge and Opal Bartlett in Waco.
After graduating from Waco High School in 1961, she married Johnny Burton and they had three children, Betsy Burton Patterson, John David Burton, and Angela Burton Schlaack. Carol and Johnny were married for 31 years. She later married Jim Stafford in May of 2014.
After her children were grown, Carol worked in long-term care. She served as Activities Director at Ridgecrest, Marketing Director at Meadow Lakes Terrace, Public Relations at Quality Care, Director of an Alzheimer’s Unit in Wimberly, TX, Manager at the Cottages of Oak Springs Senior Community, and Receptionist at Heartis Assisted Living. Carol loved working with the residents, families and staff.
Carol accepted Christ at Columbus Avenue Baptist Church at the age of 11, and then again at age 32 at Highland Baptist Church when she had a deeper understanding of being saved. Christ was her comfort and deliverer for many years.
Carol loved her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren deeply.
Her son-in-law, Michael Schlaack and sister, Beverly Johnston preceded her in death.
She is survived by her daughter, Betsy, and son-n-law, Ron Patterson; son, David and daughter-n-law, Lisa Burton; daughter, Angela. She leaves seven grandchildren, Kristina, Jon, Luke, Samuel, Miles, William, and Emma, and seven great-grandchildren. Carol is also survived by her sister, Barbara Martin; faithful buddy, Toby, and her best friend of over 20 years, Ann Gilkey.
Carol was a friend to all. She will be remembered for her wit, her generosity, and her ever-present smile.
A special thank you to Dr. Hitesh Singh and the staff at the Baylor Scott & White McClinton Cancer Center and to the Providence Hospice team.
Carol requested that if friends desire, in lieu of flowers, contributions be made to her favorite charities, St. Jude’s Research or the Central Texas Humane Society.
Place of Service: Lake Shore Funeral Home , 5201 Steinbeck Bend; Waco, TX 76708
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My prayers are with Carol’s family. She was such a sweet lady and will be missed by so many.
In the almost 50 years I have know Carol, I can never recall her ever saying an unkind word to or about anyone. Honestly, Carol might be the only person I know that I could say that about. She had obstacles in her life from which I wondered if she would recover. They only served to make her stronger! I will miss her light in the world.
Thinking of the entire family during such a difficult time . God bless this new angel.
My prayers are with each of you, Carol’s family. I worked with Carol at Ridgecrest and from that time on have counted Carol as a friend. She cared deeply for her family, her friends, and for those in senior living whom she served.
Fly high, Carol,
Beverly Huntsman Sims
Rest in peace, Aunt Carol. Your loving presence will be missed. I have such sweet memories of childhood fun with you and your wonderful family. God bless your children, grandchildren, family, and friends in their grief.
I have known Carol since junior high school-…… she was a treasure and a blessing to know …..
she knew where she was going and heaven is better place today ……
You will be missed dear friend
Save a place …for us
My sincerest condolences to all of Nanu’s family. May everyone find a bit of peace in their hearts.