Carole Virginia Whinery Garrison

Garrison

September 15, 1937

May 26, 2026

Our dear mother, Carole Virginia Whinery Garrison, of Marietta, passed away peacefully at home on May 26, 2026, surrounded by her family. Born on September 15, 1937, in New Philadelphia, Ohio, Carole was the daughter of the late S. Evelyn (Park) and Joseph Whinery. Carole graduated from New Philadelphia High School in 1955 and earned her Bachelor’s degree in Hearing & Speech Science in 1959 from Ohio University’s Chaddock + Morrow College of Fine Arts in Athens, Ohio.

Carole and Paul Cornell Garrison were married for 66 years. A natural mother whose love for her children was foremost, she was practical while also spirited in her approach, often displaying a mischievous sense of humor. She supported and encouraged her children as they pursued sports, musical instruments, theater arts, travel, academia, and reading. She volunteered for years at the Greater Marietta Community Food Pantry. She also served the First Presbyterian Church community as a deacon, a member of the church choir, and as a lay minister through the church’s Stephen Ministries program. She was devoted to lifelong learning and participated in, and later led, Marietta College’s Institute for Learning in Retirement program.

Carole formed friendships throughout her adult life that were deeply meaningful to her. She enjoyed playing bridge, going on beach vacations, and laughing and celebrating life’s milestones with these chosen family members.

She is preceded in death by her parents S. Evelyn (Park) and Joseph Whinery; brother Clarke and sister-in-law Pat Whinery. She is survived by her husband Paul Cornell Garrison of Marietta, OH; children Kristin Garrison of Marietta, OH; Holly (Mark) Wallinger of Las Vegas, NV; Craig (Kara) Garrison of Tulsa, OK; Kelee (Steve) Riesbeck of Athens, OH. She is survived by grandchildren Ellis (Ryan) Landmark of Las Vegas, NV; Carter (Wil Davis) Wallinger of Raleigh, NC; Perry Wallinger (Audrey Bidwell) of New York, NY; Sarah Garrison of Fayetteville, AR; Emilee (Luke) Macfarlan of Tulsa, OK; Kathryn (Bradley) Herschend of Fayetteville, AR; Jacob (Kelsey) Garrison of Mission, KS; Ruth Riesbeck of VT; Luc (Eliza) Riesbeck of Washington, D.C; Ike Riesbeck of Chicago, IL; Great-grandchildren Evelyn, Charlie and Bennett Herschend and Evangeline and Lenora Macfarlan. She is survived by nephews Patrick Garrison and Joseph and Parke Whinery; nieces Jill (Whinery) Musca and Josette Garrison; brother-in-law Roger Garrison, and many cherished extended family members.

A celebration of life will be held on June 27, 2026, from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM in the Fellowship Hall, First Presbyterian Church at 501 4th St., Marietta, OH. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to the Washington County Public Library Foundation are welcome. Checks can be sent to: Washington County Public Library Foundation, c/o Marietta Community Foundation, P.O. Box 77, Marietta, OH 45750.