Carolyn "Carol" Ruth Gregory

Carolyn “Carol” Ruth Gregory, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend passed away peacefully in the presence of loved ones at Community Hospice of Jacksonville, FL on May 30, 2022. She fought a courageous battle with bone marrow cancer. She was a remarkable woman who exhibited class and dignity, even to the end.

Born on May 14, 1939, and raised in Toledo, OH, she relocated to Maumee, OH where her children grew up, then finally settling in Northeast FL during her retirement years. Loving mother of three sons: Charles Jr (Rebecca) of Atlantic Beach, FL, Craig (Michelle) of St Johns, FL, Chris (Paulette) of Jupiter, FL, and loving grandmother of eight grandchildren; Brendon, Allison, Samantha, Tyler, Zoe, Tanner, Ryan and Alexis Gregory. Her family was the light of her life. Preceded in death by her parents Dick and Laverne Fleck and brother Doug Fleck. She is survived by sister Sandi Darby (Johnny) of AZ.

The simplest pleasures brought immense joy to Carol. She was a fierce lady with a wicked sense of humor. Her sweet disposition and nurturing spirit were contagious. She was saintly patient, incredibly independent and fiercely private about her ailments--until her serious health condition made it nearly impossible to remain in secret. Her Faith was surely one of her greatest strengths, walking with the Lord was what she lived by.

In her youth, Carol spent much of her time on the water at Devil’s Lake, MI where she earned a state champion title in water skiing. She would continue her love of the water throughout her life until she was unable to travel. She enjoyed being at the beach, fishing, and enjoying the mountains and laid-back lifestyle of Sun Valley, ID, where she was a frequent visitor.

Carol was a dedicated mother and grandmother who loved spending time in the kitchen. There wasn’t a kitchen gadget or accessory she didn’t own or know about. She had an extensive collection of cookbooks and recipes (as well as many other items we’re not sure what to do with). Never did a family member, friend or stranger leave her home hungry. No matter what family holiday meal was planned or where it was held, she opted to provide the Grammy “supplementary menu” of appetizers, snack items and desserts. She found pure joy in offering up a new recipe. She expressed the immense love in her heart by the food she prepared for others. She was an active member of the Mandarin, St Johns Elk Lodge # 2866, where she often assisted with Bingo nights by preparing elaborate snack items and desserts.

She loved and appreciated literature, proper grammar, and she was a master of the English language. After moving to FL in 1999, she trained to become a paraprofessional for elementary age special needs children; a selfless example of who she was. One of her outstanding recognitions was being named St. Johns County School District Employee of the Year (2009-2010). When her boys were young, she ran the Little League concession stand while living in Maumee. She knitted together her love of food, people, teaching, early on in her life.

She will be sorely missed by all. To honor her wishes, she requested a private celebration of life with only her immediate family present. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Carolyn’s honor to Community Hospice of Jacksonville or to the MDS Foundation.