ELIZABETH CAROLYN LAIRD BOOTH (CAROL) 86

Elizabeth Carolyn Laird Booth of Pensacola, Florida joined loved ones and the Lord on February 7th, 2025, in Kingsport, Tennessee. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Dr. Fred Stone Booth, beloved siblings, Pete Laird, Katherine Price, Dorothy Robertson and dear friends. 

Carolyn was born in DeFuniak Springs, Florida to Laura Lee and John Edwards Laird on April 28th, 1938. She attended Walton High School, graduating in 1956.

Carol vowed to ‘write a book no one would believe’. She could have written three.

Her early years, known as “Doot”, growing up among family and friends in DeFuniak, were filled with hard work and memorable fun. Farm raising instilled in her a life-long love of cultivation and honesty. Her summer of ’53 was a highlight as she and her sisters joined their Uncle Angus, a hotel chef in Bay View, Michigan, for work. They delighted in visits to the Grand Hotel of Mackinac Island, eating fudge and collecting Petosky rocks.

Known as “Sunshine” in Abelene TX, she earned her certification in cosmetology during the heyday of the ‘Bee-Hive Hairdo’. Rarely was she seen herself, with a hair out of place. She perfected the art of beauty, serving as ‘Miss Chemstrand’ in appearances and pageants in 1960.

In Atlanta, Georgia, she was lovingly nicknamed, “Mother”, by her roommates and fellow flight attendants as she served Southern Airways for nearly 10 years. Most notable during this time was her survival of a terrifying plane crash and encounters with Joe Namath and Joan Crawford-memorable passengers.

One passenger took her away from the airlines and Georgia, as she married Dr. Fred Stone Booth in 1969. The Booth’s settled in the mountains of Wise, Virginia to start a family. After the unexpected passing of Dr. Booth in 1980, Carol remained in Virginia to raise their only child, Elizabeth.

Her next chapter led her to pursue a career in medicine herself, earning her R.N. degree from Mountain Empire Community College in the early eighties. In 1991, she studied art at Clinch Valley College (now, UVA-Wise) before returning to her Florida home in Pensacola.

Rejoining family and making many new friends, Carol continued in-home care for several beloved patients until she retired at the age of 70. She cherished her many friends gained through Pensacola Newcomers and in her Bridge Club at Bay View Seniors. 

After recovering from a stroke in 2021, she returned to Virginia to be closer to her daughter and son-in-law. She relished in returning to see old friends and new. Her love for the fauna and flora of the mountains was still evident, demanding drives around the region to see nature’s beauty.

If you knew Carol, you knew her love of people and life. She loved entertaining and will be remembered for her New Year’s Eve gatherings in Myrtle Beach, SC and Gatlinburg, TN spanning 20 years, where she ‘pulled out all the stops’ cooking elaborate dinners, playing games and dancing with loved ones. She was a member in good standing of the renowned International Ancient and Honorable Order of Turtles, known for their love of fun.

Her interests included wildflowers, gardening, fishing, sunbathing, bowling, bridge, travel and music. She loved old Hollywood, keeping up with the stars like next-door neighbors. Annually, the Kentucky Derby and Mardi Gras were celebrated. She loved playing piano at every chance, and her singing voice was simply beautiful. 

She is survived by sister, Betty Young and twin brother, George ‘Buck’ Laird of Pensacola; daughter, Elizabeth Booth Craft (Opie), son-in-law, Eric and son Mason of Wise; step-daughters Rebecca, Lady, and Cecil Ann Booth; many beloved nieces, nephews, dozens of grands, great grands and friends.

The family would like to express heartfelt appreciation of the love, care, compassion and support received from tireless caregivers, loved ones, staff, medical professionals and clergy who made Carol’s final years loving and memorable.

Oak Hill Funeral and Cremation Services is entrusted with arrangements and condolences may be offered at www.oakhillfh.com. A Derby Day Tribute will be held May 3rd, 5:30pm at MountainRose Vineyards. Bring only your best stories to tell, hats encouraged. RSVP: opiecraft@gmail.com.

Isaiah 41:10, Phil 1:3, Rev 21:4, Matt 7:1 “Invictus” by Henley, “Thanatopsis” by Bryant