On October 5, 1963, Carol was born to the union of Charles and Julia Garrett. She was six of seven children. Carol struggled and lived with mental illness most of her life. She had a unique personality, sense of humor and capacity for love.

She attended Denver Public School and work various jobs. She loved reading and writing. She loved babysitting. She was very protective of the children she watched. She showered them with love and affection. They were always clean and fed, no dirty diapers on her watch.

Mrs. Mason recalled Carol preparing a spaghetti dinner for her and our mother. It tastes good but it was green. They weren't sure how she got it to turn that color.  But this became a running joke between them. Carol would invite Mrs. Mason to come and have dinner with her and mom. She would say, "We are having green spaghetti tonight."  They would all break out into uncontrollable laughter.

Another one of Mrs. Mason's memories took her back to a tourist attraction that they went on to "The Cliff Dwellers." Ancient Ancestral Puebloan people who built structures in cliff alcoves in southwestern Colorado Mesa Verde Four corner region. Prior to their trip they went shopping for a few things. Carol put way more in the basket then was needed. They loaded all of their food onto the bus and placed it on the back seat of the bus. Before they departed a lady on the bus became ill. She was diabetic and hadn't eaten that morning.  Mom asked them, "Should we feed her." Carol said yes. As a result of this everyone on the bus had breakfast that morning.  Another one of Carol's acts of compassion and generosity towards people.

On October 13, 1991, Carol gave birth to a beautiful baby girl. She named her lovingly after her mother Julia. Julia LeAnn was the apple of her eye. She was proud to be a mother. Something that made her feel normal and right. Not a moment went by in a day that she would proudly light up and smile when she talked about her. She loved her so much. Ashley fondly remembered Carol being at the hospital to help her give birth and bring her daughter Faith into the world. She had a special place in her heart for all of her nieces and nephews.

She would attend church with her sister Dorothy. She loved praise and worship. She would quote bible verses effortlessly and understood their meanings. She had a love for God in the mist of her chaos she had undeniable faith.

Carol handled her finances well. But if she did have to borrow money from you. She would always pay you back when she promised and sometimes with a little extra for your troubles. She was also a rebel when she wanted to be. She was a protector. She would protect her family and friends. Ready to kick butt! She was very deliberate in her warning to step back and step off. She was stubborn. No matter what you said to her, if she didn't want to do it, it wasn't getting done. She wore her heart on her sleeve. A giving person with a heart of gold. She would give you the clothes off her back if you needed them. Always putting someone else's needs above her own. Sweet and caring.

Carol loved to ride the bus. Most rides turned into an adventure for her. She would spend hours riding to other counties to shop, check out the scenery and people watch. She enjoyed being outdoors and hiking on trails with her brother Ness, Judy and Rolanda. Afterwards a meal of either Chinese or Mexican food Carol's favorites. Carol was smart. She loved to tell jokes and laugh, watch her nostalgic VHS movies. Especially the scary ones. She enjoyed listen to her old school music, bringing back sweet memories. She loved animals. A must have was her soda pop, cheese and spicy gum drops.

For all of you who cared for her, loved on her, respected her, gave her a smile and a hello. Looked past her disability to truly see her, we thank you. Carol will truly be missed by her daughter, siblings, nieces and nephews. Your sweet and caring spirit will live on in our hearts and minds forever. We love you, Carol. Gone but not forgotten.

Dedicated to Carol from Mrs. Mason

A poem by Helen Steiner Rice

She said to read it through slowly with emphasis line by line. With consideration of what's in it for me. Check your heart!

Close To The Heart

Close to the heart is a sachet place where Dreams are stored away. Where sturdy candles of faith are kept, against a darker day. And there too are the memories, the laughter shared, the tears, the little things that mean so much, seen down through the years to each his own a hide-away that has no counterpart. The secrets of the soul that lies somewhere close to the heart.

A memorial/balloon release for Carol on her birthday. Sunday October 5, 2025 at 2:00 P.M. We will meet in front of the water fountain at City Park off of 17th avenue. Bring your balloons, memories and stories.