Carolyn J Douglas' Obituary
In Loving Memory of Carolyn J. Douglas
Carolyn J. Douglas
December 22, 1942 – May 24, 2026
Carolyn J Douglas, age 83, passed away peacefully and returned to be with her Lord and Savior on May 24, 2026. Born on December 22, 1942, in Erie, Pennsylvania, Carolyn was the beloved daughter of Vera and Thomas Lanagan. She was a devoted daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend whose life was defined by love, sacrifice, faith, and unwavering devotion to family.
Carolyn married the love of her life, John Joseph Douglas, and together they were blessed with five children. Later in life, she opened her heart and home to Allan Watson, whom she lovingly adopted and raised as her own son. Carolyn never distinguished herself between the children she gave birth to and the son she chose with her heart. Her love for all six of her children was unconditional, and she devoted her life to nurturing, supporting, and guiding each of them.
Throughout her life, Carolyn worked as a waitress, in assembly work, and as a homemaker. Yet the role she treasured most was being a mother. She dedicated herself wholeheartedly to raising her children, providing for them, supporting them, and teaching them values that would guide them throughout their lives.
One of the greatest hardships Carolyn endured was the loss of her beloved husband, John, when he was only 32 years old, leaving her to raise her family as a single mother. Through determination, strength, faith, and endless love, she carried on, always putting the needs of her children before her own. She sacrificed so much to ensure her Family had everything she could provide, and her children never doubted how deeply they were loved.
Carolyn was know not only as a wonderful mother but also as a neighborhood mom. Her home was always open, and she welcomed everyone with warmth and kindness, Friends of her children often became part of the family, and she treated them as if they were her own. She had a gift for making people feel accepted, loved, and at home. No one was ever a stranger for long when Carolyn was around.
Family gatherings were among Carolyn’s greatest joys. She loved preparing meals and bringing everyone together around the dinner table. An amazing cook, she created countless memories through family dinners, holidays, and celebrations. Her happiest moments were spent surrounded by the people she loved most.
Outside of her family, Carolyn enjoyed spending time with her friends playing Bingo, attending concerts, dining out, camping, and arts and crafts. In her younger years, she even
enjoyed riding dirt bikes and embraced life’s adventures with enthusiasm. She adored her dogs and loved spoiling each and everyone of them. She is finally home with Teddy. She had a beautiful smile that could light up a room and was the first person to greet a stranger with kindness. Her sense of humor, quick wit, and joyful spirit could always bring laughter to those around her.
Carolyn taught those she loved the importance of being respectful, compassionate, caring, and loving towards others. Her example of kindness, generosity, and selflessness left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know her.
In recent years, Carolyn found great comfort and peace in her faith. She became an active member of The Life Church, where a loving church family embraced her. She was recently baptized and wholeheartedly accepted Jesus Christ into her heart and soul. Her faith brought her tremendous peace, comfort, and hope, and she found great joy worshiping alongside her church family.
Carolyn is survived by her loving children:
John Joseph Douglas (Sonia Douglas)
Michael Patrick Douglas (Margie Tupper)
Mark Edward Douglas (Barbi Douglas)
Carol Ann Hannon (George W. Hannon)
Daniel Walter Douglas (Robyn Cueto-Douglas)
Allan Watson
Her cherished grandchildren:
John Douglas (Jamie)
Joshua Douglas (Wendy)
Jacob Douglas
Barbara Sovereign (Michael)
Amanda Chornoby (Larry)
Amber Craven (Chad)
Stephanie Herbert (Matt)
George W. Hannon Jr. (Savannah)
Brianna Douglas (Chase)
Daniel Douglas Jr. (Joanna)
Kaitlin Douglas
Her beloved great-grandchildren:
Luke
Madilynn
Ayden
Leah
Luca
Nora
Jack
Tristan
Aiden
Cameron
Braxton
Bryson
Soon to be baby girl Chornoby
She is also survived by her brothers:
Kenneth Lanagan
Dennis Lanagan
Sister-N-Law:
Laura Douglas-Staszewski
Nieces:
Loree Gutowski
Julie Rummer
Suzann Douglas-Staszewski
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, John Joseph Douglas; her parents Vera Lanagan- Mitulski and Thomas Lanagan; and all those who welcome her home into eternal peace.
Though her family mourns her passing, they find peace in knowing she has been reunited with the love of her life. Carolyn leaves behind a legacy of love, strength, faith, compassion, laughter, and family that will continue for generations. Her influence can be seen in the lives of her children, grandchildren, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing her.
She will be remembered for her warm smile, her open heart, her unwavering faith, her devotion to family, and her ability to make everyone feel loved and welcomed. The memories she created and the lessons she taught will remain forever in our hearts of those she leaves behind.
Until we see you again mom, Give dad a great big kiss for us! Thank you for your endless love, your sacrifice, your guidance, and the beautiful family you built. We will love you always, and we will never forget you.
“A Mother’s love is forever. Though she may be gone from our sight, she will never be gone in our hearts.”
“Well done, good and faithful servant.” Matthew 25:23
Celebration of Life
A celebration of Carolyn’s Life will be held on Friday, June 26, 2026 at 6:30PM at:
The Life Church
734 62nd Avenue North
St. Petersburg, Florida 33702
Officiated by Pastor Darren Hudspeth
Forever Loved. Forever missed. Forever in our Hearts.
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