Carol Haltiwanger Hyer

Carol Haltiwanger Hyer, 68, of Summerville, South Carolina, wife of Paul Jones Hyer, Jr., entered into eternal rest Thursday, January 1, 2015. A private memorial service was held Monday, January 5, 2015, in St. Luke's Lutheran Church. Arrangements by J. Henry Stuhr, Inc., Downtown Chapel.

Carol was born July 11, 1946 in West Columbia, South Carolina, daughter of Homer Franklin Haltiwanger and Kathleen Koon Haltiwanger. She graduated from Brookland Cayce High School in 1964. As a testament to her thirst for knowledge, she revisited higher education later in life, earning a BA in Studio Art with a Minor in Psychology from the University of South Carolina in 1994 and a Master's Degree in Teaching (MAT) from the College of Charleston in 1998. Carol was a Special Education teacher in the Dorchester School District from 1998-2009. She was also a faithful supporter of the Special Olympics.

Carol was one of those people who truly never met a stranger. Her ability to identify and sympathize with persons from all walks of life was a huge asset not only to her family, but to everyone who knew her. This is especially true of her work at the family-owned pharmacy, Hyer Drug Store, in N. Augusta, SC for more than 27 years. From running the soup kitchen downstairs to being primary buyer and staging the third floor Seasonal Shoppe to bookkeeping and customer service in the main pharmacy, she was the heart of Hyer Drug Store. Her work with the Drug and Alcohol Commission in Aiken County, SC was instrumental and handled as only a person with her adaptable and caring demeanor could--especially working one on one with young people on the Drug Hotline. The lives she changed and the eyes she opened were innumerable.

Her life as a mother of four girls was her true passion. She was the fun mom on field trips and her station wagon was the ride most sought after. Her natural ability to let go and be silly while still receiving respect and kindness was a balancing act few parents managed as successfully as she. She was always the room mother in school and was very involved in all of her daughters' activities. Her devotion to education was instinctual. She was a natural advocate and champion for all of her girls as well as a caring motivator. As a Special Education teacher at Summerville High School, she touched the lives of many young women and men who most likely never felt that level of care from an adult. She was not just a teacher; she was a mentor and confidant for her students, many of whom stayed in contact with her even into adulthood. She cared not only for her students but also for her colleagues and she worked tirelessly for both.

In addition to her husband of 49 years, she is survived by her daughters, Kristen Hyer Godbold (Gene) of Stanardsville, VA, Dana Lyn Hett (Scott) of N. Augusta, SC, Paula Ashley Stura (Kurt) of Deland, FL, and Katey Hyer Mercier (Matthew) of Lancaster, SC; her brother, Charles Haltiwanger of Fletcher, NC; and 12 grandchildren.

Memorials may be made to Special Olympics of SC, 1276 Assembly Street, Columbia, SC 29201 and/or Habitat for Humanity, 1558 Ben Sawyer Boulevard, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464.