Carolyn Ryan

Carolyn L. Ryan, of Summerville, South Carolina, passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 27, 2025 with her beloved husband, Martin "Marty" Ryan, at her side.

She was born in Miami, Florida and was a daughter of the late Carolyn Meredith and Johnnie Tompkins.

Carol was known for her warmth, creativity, and hospitality. She had a gift for entertaining, welcoming family, friends, and neighbors into her home with seemingly effortless grace. Christmas was her favorite season, and the Ryans' home became a cherished gathering place each year - beautifully decorated, filled with the comforting scent of home-baked treats, and the warmth of wassail shared with their community.

Carol's talents extended far beyond the kitchen. She crafted exquisite wedding cakes - true labors of love - and arranged flowers with the eye of a professional florist. Her appreciation for beauty and detail could be seen in everything she did.

A lifelong animal lover, Carol and Marty shared their home and hearts with many cats over their 40+ years of marriage. What began as fostering often turned into forever, and their home was a sanctuary for many cherished companions.

As well as being preceded in death by her parents, she is also preceded in death by her sister, Margret Ann Jones.

Carolyn is survived by her loving husband, Martin "Marty" Ryan; her three children: Brenda Sanders, Patrick Ledford (Laurie), and Timothy Ledford (Jennifer); her step-daughter, Meaghan Gonzalez; her granddaughters: Shannon and Catlyn; her great-grandson, Jerry; and her great-great-grandson, Jason Ray. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew her.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, April 3, 2025, from 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM at McAlister-Smith Funeral Home - Goose Creek with a funeral service starting at  2:00 PM.

In accordance with her wishes, a private burial will be held at Fort Jackson in Columbia, South Carolina.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Berkeley County Animal Shelter.

Expressions of sympathy may be viewed or submitted online at mcalister-smith.com/.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to McAlister-Smith Funeral Home, 869 St. James Avenue, Goose Creek, SC 29445, (843) 553-1511.