Carolyn B. (Barton) Grissom

Joyce Carolyn Barton was born in Williston, FL to Edward Lee Barton and Jeannette Barton on January 12, 1938. She graduated from Williston High School in 1956 and from Florida State University in 1960. She married Richard Andrews and moved to Ocala, FL where she became an elementary school teacher at Wyomina Park Elementary School and taught until she began raising her sons, Dan and Dick Andrews. After her sons were older she resumed her teaching career at Eighth Street and Highlands Elementary Schools. She retired in 1984. In 1984 she married Julian Grissom. They made a great couple who took care of each other until his death in 2007.

Carolyn was a tireless worker at whatever she put her mind to. Her favorite activity was gardening. Visitors to her home could be astonished at the bounty of her gardens. She always had more than she could use and was constantly giving away almost all of what she grew, whether it was oranges, tangerines, pineapples, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, collards, eggplant, and okra. In addition to her skills in the garden she loved to work in her kitchen. She loved to prepare meals for family gatherings or for anybody who had a need. For many years she prepared and delivered food to the homeless ministry at First United Methodist Church. She loved to know that others were enjoying the fruit of her labors.

Her desire to work in the garden did not wane even as she got older. In the last few weeks of her life she was still doing her best to get another batch of pickles done and telling us to make sure the okra was cut every day. She was always trying to be productive.

Carolyn is survived by her two sons, Dan Andrews and Dick Andrews, their wives, Sandi and Garnet, and her seven grandchildren, Cameron, Lauren, Kathryn, Will, Emily, Allison, and Mary.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 AM Saturday, August 7, 2021, at First United Methodist Church, 1126 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala.  Graveside services will be held at 2:00 PM Saturday, in Orange Hill Cemetery in Williston.

Carolyn wanted everyone who wanted one to have an education and she supported many in their efforts to do so. She would tell everyone to make a contribution to the College of Central Florida Foundation in lieu of sending flowers. Their address is 3001 SW College Rd., Ocala, FL 34474.

College of Central Florida Foundation
3001 SW College Road, Ocala FL 34474