Carol Garrett Croft, 87, passed away on July 5, 2026.

Born on March 20, 1939, in Pickens, South Carolina, Carol was the daughter of the late Melvin Garrett and Elizabeth Patterson Garrett.

Carol was a devoted wife, mother, sister, aunt, and cherished friend, but the role she treasured most was being “Nana” to her three grandsons. Family was the center of her world, and she cherished every moment spent together. She had a remarkable memory for life’s special occasions and loved sharing stories of family gatherings, milestones, and treasured moments with those she loved.

Carol had a genuine love for life, family, and children. She dedicated 48 years to caring for and nurturing young lives through her work in childcare, serving at Kiddie Korner, Southern Methodist, Northside Baptist, and retiring from Orangeburg Preparatory Child Development Center in 2020. Her kindness, gentle spirit, and caring heart touched countless families throughout her career. She never met a stranger, and everyone who knew her loved her warm smile, compassionate nature, and welcoming spirit.

In addition to her parents, Carol was preceded in death by her brothers, Calvin Garrett, Aaron Garrett, Harry Garrett, and Doug Garrett; her sisters-in-law, Gypsy Platt and Joyce Garrett; and her brothers-in-law, Tommy Nivens and Oliver Croft.

She leaves behind her devoted husband of 58 years, Reggie Croft; her son, Richard (Stephanie) Croft; her stepson, Rusty Croft; her sister and lifelong best friend, Nancy Nivens; her sisters-in-law, Jimmie Garrett and Judy Williams (Gerald); her brother-in-law, Randall Platt; and her beloved grandsons, Blake Croft, Brent Croft, and Baker Croft, who brought immeasurable joy to her life. A special friend, Debbie Zorn.  She is also lovingly remembered by her many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends, all of whom held a special place in her heart.

The family will receive friends during a visitation on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Thompson Funeral Home, 1012 Whitman Street, Orangeburg, South Carolina.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at Northside Baptist Church, 1250 Columbia Road, Orangeburg, South Carolina. The service will be officiated by Rev. Jim Parnell and Rev. Larry Williams. Burial will follow at Crestlawn Memorial Gardens, 4930 Columbia Road, Orangeburg, South Carolina.

Honored to serve as pallbearers will be her nephews: Mike Garrett, Steve Garrett, Tommy Garrett, Lee Nivens, Todd Garrett, and Lee Banks.

Following the services, the family will continue to receive friends at the Nivens’ residence, 580 Lake Edisto Road, Orangeburg, South Carolina.

Carol’s legacy of love, kindness, and unwavering devotion to her family will live on in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing her. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.