Carolyn Van Buskirk

Carolyn Van Buskirk, 87, of Fort Walton Beach, Florida, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on January 3, 2026, surrounded by the love and prayers of her family.

Born in Fosters, Alabama, to Nathan Wright and Odell Garner, Carolyn was a woman of strong faith, quiet strength, and a generous heart. Throughout her life, she devoted herself to caring for others, whether through her work, her volunteer service, or her family.

Carolyn was the proud owner and operator of ABC Kiddie Kollege Child Care Center, in Fort Walton Beach, Florida, where she lovingly cared for and taught young children during some of their most formative years. Later, answering a lifelong calling to healthcare, she returned to nursing and worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant at Tuscawilla Nursing and Rehab Center in Winter Springs, Florida. Even in her later years, Carolyn continued to serve by volunteering at HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital, offering compassion, encouragement, and kindness to patients and staff alike.

She found joy in sewing, baking, crafting, traveling, and beautiful sunsets, often sharing her talents with those she loved. Nothing brought her greater happiness than spending time with her family, whom she loved deeply and unconditionally. Her home was a place of warmth, laughter, faith, and during football season ongoing cheers for the Choctaw Indians and Alabama Crimson Tide.

Carolyn was a widow, devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She is survived by her daughter Shelia Van Buskirk Justen and son David Wyman Van Buskirk, his spouse Julie Van Buskirk; five grandchildren, Jessica Millner, Theresa Mercure and her spouse Mason Mercure, Aaron Millner, Jacquelyn Van Buskirk, and Victoria 'Tori' Van Buskirk Brooker and her spouse Alan Brooker; and four great-grandchildren, Matthew Sanders, Jacob Millner, Camryn Mercure, and Joseph Uddo V, all of whom were a constant source of pride and joy in her life. Carol was predeceased in death by her husband of 32 years, H.C. 'Dutch' Van Buskirk.

A faithful Baptist, Carolyn trusted in God's promises and lived her life as a reflection of Christ's love. Her family finds comfort in knowing that she has heard the words, "Well done, good and faithful servant," and now rests in eternal peace. Though she will be deeply missed, her legacy of faith, service, and love will continue to guide those she leaves behind.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at 1:00 pm at Wright Baptist Church, 795 Beal Parkway NW, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32547. The family will receive visitors one hour prior to the service. Interment will take place at Beal Memorial Cemetery following the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, in honor of Carolyn's lifelong compassion for children and those in need. Expressions of love and sympathy may be placed and viewed online at www.emeraldcoastfuneralhome.com