Carole Joyce "Jody" Garner

Carole Joyce Garner, 82, of Waterloo passed away from this life on Friday, March 6, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of love as a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Visitation will be held on Thursday, March 12, 2026, from 6:00pm-8:00pm, at Morrison Funeral Home, Central Heights. The funeral service will be held on Friday, March 13, 2026, at 2:00pm at Valley View House of Prayer, with Brother Larry Burbank officiating. The body will lie-in-state from 1:00pm-2:00pm at Valley View House of Prayer. Burial will be at Oakwood Cemetery, Sheffield.

Born on February 8, 1944, in Sheffield, Alabama, Carole was known for her warm heart, strong and resilient spirit, and a deep love for her family. As a young girl, she grew up next door to her best friend, Mary, who had a brother named, Thomas Theodore Garner, who would become the love of her life. Thomas left for the Navy and Carole waited for his return and the two married on April 6, 1962, beginning a marriage filled with dedication and an endless amount of love. In the early years of their marriage, Carole and Thomas lived in a small house in Tuscumbia, where they welcomed three children – Diane, Carolyn, and Tommy – with Thomas's sister, Julie, by their side. In 1976, while expecting their final child, Alicia, Carole and Thomas moved their family to Waterloo, where they purchased their home and lived out the rest of their lives.

She found joy in life's simple and meaningful moments. She loved spending time outdoors, planting flowers, caring for her yard, cutting grass with her infinite number of lawnmowers, and building a fire any time she found an opportunity. She loved treasure hunting at thrift stores, especially her favorite place, The Blue Door Thrift Store, where she enjoyed finding little gems and sharing them with those she loved. She enjoyed watching her favorite shows, Swamp People and Naked and Afraid, with her beloved dog, Anna, in her lap.

She enjoyed visiting Berry's One Stop to purchase scratch-off tickets and grab some pizza, one of her favorite little outings. She found great joy in staying connected with the people she loved, often calling her loved ones at any hour of the day or night-especially when the rest of the world was asleep-with her daughter, Lisa, often receiving the most of those late-night check-ins to cater to any of her wants or needs.

One of her greatest joys was welcoming her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren into her home. Their visits meant the world to her and filled her days with laughter, love, and treasured memories. She loved making sure everyone who came through her door was warmly welcomed and well fed.

Carole was a member of Valley View House of Prayer. Her strong faith and trust in God were central to her life. She believed deeply in His grace and guidance, and her faith brought her comfort and peace. Those who knew her could see that faith in the way she cared for others and lived each day with love and gratitude. She found great joy in bringing as many grandchildren as she could to church with her.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas Theodore "TT" Garner; parents, Algia and Turner Hollins; brothers, Ronald and Cletus Hollins; brother-in-law Gerald Garner; sisters-in-law, Sally Ann and Rosie Garner; and grandchildren, Bethany and Benjamin Garner.

Carole is survived by her children Shelia Diane Sharp (Jeff), Carolyn Wiley, Thomas Garner, Jr. (Amy), Alicia "Lisa" Elliott (John); brothers, Steve Hollins (Jama), Donald Hollins (Judy); brothers-in-law, John and Jackie Garner; sisters-in-law, Mary Honeycutt (Ron), Julie Zills (Bob), and Linda Bostick (Lewis); grandchildren, Amy Sharp, Amanda Price (Matt), Ashley Morris (Josh), Jessica Abbot (Colin), Shalina Thornley (Travis), Ricky Wiley (Becky), Matthew Wiley, Kaitlin Anicic (Matt), Caylee Garner, Dalton George (Ben), Malicia George (Garrett), Dacota George (Harlee), and Dawson George; and 21 great-grandchildren; special loved ones Michael George and family.

Pallbearers will be Matt, Brodie, and Brock Price; Ricky and Matthew Wiley; Dalton and Dacota George; and Garrett Brown. Dawson George, Ben Cain, Josh, Parker, and Korbyn Morris, and Rayne Jenkins will serve as honorary pallbearers.

The family expresses special thanks to Affinity Hospice, Enhabit Home Health, and all the family and friends for their thoughtfulness and especially their prayers.