Carolyn "Cari" Coleman Carns

Carolyn "Cari" Coleman Carns, 77, of Charleston, South Carolina, wife of Neil S. "Buzz" Carns entered into eternal rest January 19, 2019. Her memorial service will be held Saturday, February 2, 2019 at 4:00 PM at Old St. Andrew's Parish Church, 2604 Ashley River Road.

Cari was born April 21, 1941 in Seattle, Washington, daughter of the late Dr. Clarence I. Coleman and Claire Woods Coleman. Her family was her life. She was selfless and always put her family and friends as a priority. Her faith was paramount for her life and she believed in the power of prayer.

Growing up in Seattle, Washington, she was an avid sailor, taught sailing and competed in the Adams Cup. Upon graduating from the University of Washington in 1963 with a BA in Education, Cari joined United Airlines as a stewardess. She later began her high school Spanish teaching career in Hillside, NJ and Groton, CT. She was a consummate Navy wife and traveled and supported her husband throughout his submarine service. Upon service assignment to Charleston, she found comfort in both a physical and spiritual home. She became active in the local community and the church. Although family and career obligations required movement around the country, she always longed to get back to her Charleston. Church, family and friends were her focus. She truly has been the personification of love.

Cari believed she was blessed with the medical assistance and compassionate care she received during her 3 years of fighting pancreatic cancer.

Cari is survived by her husband of 53 years, Buzz; two sons: Neil Carns (Vanessa) of Richmond, VA and Richard Carns (Shannon) of Charleston, SC; daughter, Margaret Manuel (William) of Atlanta, GA; nine grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren as well as two brothers, Jim and Fred Coleman.

Memorials may be made to Old St. Andrew's Parish Church, 2604 Ashley River Road, Charleston, SC 29414 in the name of Cari Carns.