Carol Elizabeth Lawler

Carol Elizabeth Lawler, 93, passed away on Saturday, October 19, 2024 after a brief illness. Carol was born on July 30, 1931 to the late Leroy and Emily Thomas in East Orange, NJ. A graduate of Caldwell College (now University), she taught music to elementary school students before meeting and marrying her husband, the late William A Lawler (USN-Ret). She then embarked on her full-time career as a homemaker and Navy wife, soon taking care of four children and moving the family to various duty stations across the US. From Navy housing to off-base residences, she used her considerable skills as a seamstress and expert cook to make each place a home and each move a cross-country travel adventure for her children.

Settling and later retiring in the Charleston area, Carol enjoyed the vast natural beauty of the barrier islands, coastal waters and the wide variety of wildlife so abundant in the area. She enjoyed the Charleston culinary scene, the Dock Street Theatre and served for a time as a docent during the annual Charleston Tour of Homes. She loved the slower-paced Southern lifestyle, often remarking how lucky she was to live here. She doted on her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, shopping for them and traveling to see them when possible (and figuring out FaceTime when travel wasn’t an option). She had a natural talent for decorating each home she lived in and had an eye for graceful, classic design.

Surviving are her four children, Elizabeth Conant (Van), William A Lawler, Jr. (Jeannette), Thomas K Lawler (Rebecca) and James P Lawler (Patricia); as well as 10 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren, all dearly loved.

The Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, October 29, 2024 at 10:00 am at Stella Maris Roman Catholic Church, 1204 Middle Street, Sullivan’s Island, SC 29482. A reception following the service will be held at 11:30 am at the Planter’s Pointe Clubhouse, 2801 Planters Pointe Boulevard, Mount Pleasant, SC 29466. The Rite of Committal will follow at 3:00 pm at Mepkin Abbey, 1098 Mepkin Abbey Road, Moncks Corner, SC 29461.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Carol’s name may be made to the Stella Maris Building Fund, P.O. Box 280, Sullivan’s Island, SC 29482 or to Mepkin Abbey, 1098 Mepkin Abbey Road, Moncks Corner, SC 29461.

Arrangements by James A. McAlister, Inc. (843) 766-1365.