Carol Jean Robertson

Carol Jean Robertson, 81, passed at her home in Green Cove Springs on August 25, 2025, after a long illness and brief hospice care. Carol was born in Elyria, Ohio, to Alberta (nee McIntyre) and Melvin Sanders and lived there with her older sisters, Judy and Pat. She graduated from Elyria High School and afterward worked at a local TV and appliance store. Carol married Thomas H. Robertson in 1965 and became stepmom to Tom’s daughter, Gretchen. She and Tom began their life together in Avon Lake, Ohio, as he was a patrolman for the local police department. When three more daughters came along within 3-1/2 years — Tracy Lee, Kelly Sue, and Lori Beth — they decided a larger house was necessary and found a fixer-upper in Avon, Ohio. Carol worked as an administrative assistant for several local physicians. Her earnings comtributed to some of their dreams, including many adventures — boating and fishing on Lake Erie, camping with their tow-behind, and two unforgettable vacations to Florida. She even found herself leading a Girl Scout troop for a few years, back when GS cookies were a fraction of today’s prices. Carol, Tom, and their daughters relocated to a spacious ranch home in St. Augustine, FL, after he retired as a lieutenant. One by one, the daughters left home, so they downsized to a cute house in Palm Coast. They both grew tired of the heat and decided to relocate to a log cabin with full amenities and a stunning view south of the Nantahala Forest in Franklin, NC. In 2017, they relocated again to be closer to the Mayo Clinic for the possibility of a kidney transplant for Carol. While Tom owned his 1974 Blaze Orange MG, they belonged to British car clubs in Ohio, Florida, and North Carolina. She volunteered for the maternity shelter near Franklin by knitting several layettes for newborns. Following Tom’s passing in 2018, Carol found companionship in gatherings with her luncheon ladies in Green Cove Springs. She remained resilient, always steady, and always giving. Carol enjoyed gardening, first to provide food for the supper table as the girls grew, and later to dress up the yard. She sewed clothes for the girls, canned pickles and tomato sauce, and made endless pitchers of Kool-Aid and Tang. Her chicken paprikash was legendary — though, in typical Carol fashion, she cooked it for others while unable to enjoy it herself since it wasn’t gluten-free. Carol is survived by her older sister Pat of Seffner, FL; stepdaughter, Gretchen Shimola (Danny) of Avon, OH.; daughters Tracy Lee Robertson-Miller (State College, PA), Kelly Robertson (Green Cove Springs, FL), and Lori Buckhalter (Tom) of St. Augustine, FL; grandchildren Jennifer, Blake, and Devin (OH.), Justin and Benjamin (PA and OH), Sammy (FL), and Kristina and Emily (FL). She was preceded in death by her mother, Alberta, her older sister Judy, and her husband Tom, all within 19 months of each other. Her family is deeply grateful to the Community Hospice nurses who guided them in caring for her with dignity and love. Those who wish to honor Carol may do so with a donation to a charity of their choice. In keeping with Carol’s wishes, no formal service will be held. Her family will probably not listen to her and will have a private cake and daiquiri party at a later time.

Carol Jean Robertson

May 28, 1944 - August 25, 2025