Carol Wharton

Carol Dean Wharton, 64, of Arlington, Texas, passed away on Saturday, December 17, 2016. A beloved wife, mother, sister, daughter, and friend, she will be missed by the many who knew her to be a kind, gentle woman who always went out of her way to help others, but never sought credit for it. Carol was born in Wichita Falls, Texas, on July 25, 1952. She attended the University of Texas at Arlington, where she studied sociology. On August 18, 1973, she married Michael Lynn Wharton, a relationship that flourished for 43 years and weathered Mike’s many, many bad puns.

For most of her life, Carol worked at one of the hardest jobs around -- a stay-at-home mom. In recent years, she began working for Hallmark, stocking and organizing the card displays at grocery stores. It was a job that echoed much of Carol’s attitude and servant’s heart in life: quiet, background work that most people wouldn’t even think about, but which needed to be done. She took great pride in her work...and she knew all the best cards for every occasion.

Carol was a devoted member of Fielder Church in Arlington for over 40 years. In addition to being a regular on Sundays, Carol practiced what she preached in life, often volunteering with the church to help make life easier for those in need.

She loved mystery novels. She was funny -- and she’d let you forget how funny she was, until she dropped a perfectly timed zinger and left you laughing in tears. She was wise and tender and gentle and nurturing. She loved God, she loved her family, and she was loved by the many who will miss her dearly. We wish her safe journeys, until we see her again.

Carol was preceded in death by Bobby Swafford Sr., her father. She is survived by Billie Swafford, her mother; Michael Wharton, her husband; David Wharton, her son; Tiffany Richardson, her daughter; and four grandchildren who adored her (and another on the way).