Carol Lavery

1927 - 2021

Carol Lavery
July 12, 1927 - September 3, 2021
Macon, Georgia - In Memory of Reverend Carol Donley Lavery
With heart of a servant, the soul of a gypsy and the unmistakable rhythm of a dancer, Reverend Carol Lavery traveled through life with the hammer down and the music cranked up before reaching Heaven, her final destination, at age 94.
Carol's compassionate nature compelled her to serve in the United States Cadet Nurse Corps during World War II. After learning harsh life lessons during the war, she earned a Bachelor of Science in Education degree from Ohio's Kent State University in 1951 and taught elementary school for over two decades in Jacksonville, FL and later in Macon, GA. Carol's children also learned to love travel from their independent mother. Most summers were spent exploring America with four kids in the family station wagon, while their father, Bill Lavery, a renowned arena manager, kept the music playing and the home fires burning. Extended camping excursions and spontaneous road trips created fond memories and nurtured the spirit of adventure for Louise, Bill, Lynn and Jim.
Carol continued to share her teaching gifts and outdoor survival skills, running several summer camps. Her leadership stint included a post in a Jacksonville, Florida Girl Scout Camp and a long legacy of service at Gordon, Georgia's Camp Christian, where a building was named in her honor after years of dedication.
At age 50, Carol was called into the ministry and received her Master of Divinity from Candler School of Theology at Emory University. After retiring as Associate Regional Minister for the Christian Churches of Georgia in Macon, Carol and Bill moved back to Jacksonville where she continued to conduct Sunday services at Cypress Village. She also performed a funeral service at Arlington National Cemetery, offered the prayer for a Jacksonville bridge christening, and united many couples in marriage.
Always known as the life of the party, Carol's signature dance move (twisting down to the ground with a finger tap on the floor) clearly impressed the judges and she took home a trophy for her creative execution in her mid-80s. In lieu of a traditional service, the family will gather for a final road trip where they will spread the ashes of Carol and Bill Lavery in a few of their favorite places.
Carol is survived by her brother, James W Donley of Connecticut; two daughters; Lynn Lavery of Macon and Louise Hendrix of Jacksonville, FL, and one son, Jim Lavery of Macon. She leaves one daughter-in-law, Catherine Lavery of Augusta and two grandsons; Will H. Lavery and Harrison J. Lavery of Atlanta.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Carol's honor to Camp Christian Conference Center, 3735 Dennard Hardy Rd, Gordon, GA 31031