Carolyn Patricia McCoy Carlson's Obituary
Carolyn Patricia McCoy Carlson of Gainesville, FL passed away after an extended illness and surrounded by her loving family on Sunday, October 15, 2023.
As part of a multi-generational Gainesville family, Pat was born on November 23, 1951 at Alachua General Hospital. She spent most of her life in Gainesville, while also briefly living in Chicago and Sarasota where her husband John’s career took them. Pat and John had their honeymoon at Amelia Island, FL in 1977. She enjoyed traveling there on weekends with her family for many years. Upon retirement, Pat and John moved to Amelia Island for 7 years before returning to Gainesville in 2021.
Pat attended the University of Florida, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Education in 1973. She received her real-estate license shortly after and worked in that industry for a few years. Pat then moved into the banking industry, primarily holding loan origination and then Human Resources positions. That never kept her from helping any customer in need on a daily basis. She was often known as the “office mom”, caring for all the employees, professionally and personally.
Pat’s true mission in life was to be of service to others in any way she could. Most significant was her daily note writing, to family, friends, strangers, soldiers, and so many more. She touched the lives of countless people each day without ever truly realizing the impact she had made. Her encouraging words, whether through notes, texts, or calls, uplifted, encouraged, strengthened, and calmed others in their times of need. Every encounter with Pat resulted in a smile on your face and a warmth in your heart. Pat was a true Christian and lived her life with a profound faith in the Lord.
Pat was also strongly devoted to volunteering whenever possible. This included work with P.A.C.E, Take Stock in Children, Junior Achievement, Humane Society, Hospice Attic, Meals on Wheels, and Church committees. Pat was a devoted Florida Gator fan and spent decades going to football games with her family. You could often find her in the stands sitting with her head down listening to Mick Hubert on her walkman during the most exciting time of the game because she just couldn’t watch. Pat was also a dog lover, specifically beagles. She enjoyed her time and walks with the Carlson family beagles, Cody, Toby, and Otis. She regularly donated to The Beagle Freedom Project. Pat loved her network of friends, extending from Gainesville to Amelia Island and points beyond.
While Pat had many friends and some very close friends, those who knew her are aware that her greatest joy in life was the time she spent with her daughters and twin grandchildren. Conversations, meals, walks, travel, games, and sports are some of the family experiences she loved. Pat would never miss an event no matter where it was. Pat was extremely proud of their accomplishments, successes, and mostly their character and integrity as human beings.
Pat is preceded in death by her parents Carolyn Patricia Windham McCoy and Van Quincy McCoy, Jr.
Pat is survived by her husband of 46 years, John V. Carlson, her daughter Meredith Quincy Carlson Hall (Chris), two grandchildren, Amelia Grace Hall and Timothy Robert Hall, and daughter Hartley Carlson Montgomery (Joel); two brothers, Van Quincy McCoy III and Tidal Windham McCoy. Her loving presence will be missed tremendously by all.
There will be a private family memorial service. A celebration of Pat’s life will be held at a later date for all to attend. In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to Memorial United Methodist Church, Fernandina Beach, FL: https://www.mumconline.com/.
What’s your fondest memory of Carolyn Patricia?
What’s a lesson you learned from Carolyn Patricia?
Share a story where Carolyn Patricia's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Carolyn Patricia you’ll never forget.
How did Carolyn Patricia make you smile?