Caryl Piowaty Walters

Caryl Piowaty Walters, of Mount Pleasant, passed away peacefully and surrounded by family on Sunday, December 19, 2021. Caryl was born July 3, 1938, in Chicago, IL, to Fredrick and Ladelle Piowaty.

Caryl is predeceased by her husband, William C. Walters, Jr, and her sister Eleanor "Sugar" Stanfield. She is survived by her three sons: W. Crayton Walters III (Louisa), John F. Walters, M.D. (Martha), and Brigadier General Gregory N. Walters (Julie); eight grandchildren: Ellinor, Elizabeth, Neil, Parker, Caroline, Lawson, Hope, and Will; and her two sisters, Nadine Hines and Jill Orpin.

For many years Caryl was in real estate sales at Island Realty and Beachside Real Estate Company.

Caryl will be remembered for her vibrant personality and her altruistic spirit. She was one of the first female mentors and sponsors in the Charleston AA community and touched the lives of hundreds of people through 50 years of recovery and tireless giving to the community to help change the things she could. Caryl was a passionate animal lover, taking in stray dogs, cats, and helpless pets her entire life. She never turned away a soul in need. A devout Catholic throughout her life, Caryl gathered her friends and family in her final days to celebrate 'in the midst' of sorrow. The gatherings were full of good stories, laughter, and tears. The prayers throughout were for thankfulness and hope and for God who would not let her face the end alone, and in Caryl's way, an act of joyful rebellion against fear.

Caryl was a wonderful mother and grandmother, who taught her children compassion, love of adventure, and living well. She adored her beloved beach at Isle of Palms and delighted in raising three boys on an island of endless summers and countless journeys, always giving more leash than any boy should be given. Later in life, at Toogoodoo, the Walter's Christmas Tree farm, she extended her passion for life to all her grandchildren. Never called 'Granny' or 'Grandma,' Caryl insisted on the refined title of 'Grandmother' and gathered her granddaughters for a festive 'High Tea' each Christmas, an occasion filled with antics and laughter. Caryl's impact on the lives of those who knew her was immeasurable. Friends and family will recognize Caryl's spirit in Ellinor's compassion and storytelling, Liz's creative and generous spirit, Neil's helpfulness, Parker's love of horseback riding and love for animals, Lawson and Caroline's belief in family above all else, Hope's resilience, and Will's love of wildlife and history.

Her Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, December 28, 2021 at Stella Maris Catholic Church, Sullivans Island, SC, at 11 a.m. A reception to follow at 691 Blue Heron Run, Mount Pleasant.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to The National Multiple Sclerosis Society PO Box 91891 Washington DC, 20090 , the MUSC Living Donor Institute c/o MUSC Foundation, 18 Bee Street, MSC 450, Charleston SC 29425, or Pet Helpers, 1447 Folly Road, Charleston SC 29412.