Carol Lynn Lloyd

Carol Lynn Lloyd

(January 21, 1952 - December 2, 2022)

Carol Lynn Lloyd was a true matriarch. She took care of everybody. But it never made her worse for the wear. In fact, it made her shine even brighter. She had more than enough love and compassion to go around. And she gave it effortlessly. It was just who she was. She was one of the world's great listeners and advice-givers. She had a way of making everybody feel not just seen but safe. And people came to her often for her suggestions, pointers, and guidance on navigating life's conundrums. She had a constellation of friends, neighbors, and admirers who loved her. And she loved them back. Hard. She never thought twice about setting an extra place at her dinner table or making a bed for guests. She opened her home to anyone who needed a place to stay. She cared deeply about people-and making them comfortable. And there was no warmer and more comfortable place than the Lloyd family home. Carol loved being the organizer (aka the boss depending on whom you ask). She organized family vacations, trips to the mountains, birthday parties, Thanksgiving festivities, and the family Christmas, the latter of which always involved everyone wearing funny hats, shirts, or onesies that she purchased (likely from the Home Shopping Network) weeks in advance. Carol would be relieved to know that her daughter Alicia and niece Emily would carry that torch-keeping everyone in line and handling the birthdays, the family trips, and of course, the holidays.

Carol was highly competitive. She loved games, especially cards. She also loved sports, Hallmark Christmas movies, and the crisp taste of a cold Miller Lite (from a bottle, never a can). She loved to laugh. And belch! She never took herself-or life-too seriously. Maybe that's why being around her made you feel so dang light. It wasn't uncommon to leave the Lloyd home with sore cheeks from laughing all night hysterically. Anyone who spent time with Carol knew how much music fed her soul. From Bob Dylan to Bob Marley. From rock to country and everything in between, it wasn't uncommon to see her dancing and singing along.

Carol's love for her children was a sustaining force for this family. It was immeasurable. She and her husband, Ed, raised Jeff and Alicia with integrity, compassion, and intelligence. One of her greatest joys was to see these qualities reflected in them. They made her so proud. And that feeling was mutual. The Lloyds were (and are) a close-knit family who truly enjoyed each other's company and loved each other deeply. Being around them, it was easy to see how much they respected and cared for one another. One of the brightest moments of Carol's life-becoming a grandmother-came when she may have needed it most. Her grandsons Leo (born in 2019) and Ryder (born in 2021) brought her immense joy and gave her life. Carol spent much time with them during the last few years, and no matter how she may have felt, she would light up with energy when they'd walk into the room for a visit. Leo and Ryder were a true gift.

Carol never failed to amuse, entertain, and uplift us. She passed peacefully in her home, surrounded by her family, and she will be widely and deeply missed by the many who cherish her memory.

She was born in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Her family moved to the Washington D.C. area when she was ten. She attended Arundel High School in Gambrills, Maryland, and then the University of Maryland, where she met her husband and soulmate, Ed Lloyd. She is survived by husband Ed of Lake Forest, California; son Jeff Lloyd of Huntington Beach, California, daughter Alicia Chest, son-in-law Andrew Chest, grandchildren Leo and Ryder Chest of Redondo Beach, California, sister Anne Simon of Bethany Beach, Delaware, sister Susan Kush (husband Ralph) of The Villages, Florida, brother Jim Giffen of Hanover, Pennsylvania, nieces Emily Boul (husband Bruce and kids Zephyr and Bodhi), Shannon Hager, Sara Parker, nephews Eric Simons, Andy Kush, Steve Kush, Douglass Kush, Jimmy Giffen, and John Giffen.