Carol B Stafford

Carol Billings Stafford, age 75, of Redington Shores, Florida passed away on Wednesday, October 4, 2023. She is survived by her husband Dennis Stafford; her son Dennis Stafford and wife Carolyn Hart; her daughter Gina Flomberg, husband Bruce Flomberg; and her six grandchildren and their partners, Owen and Sarah, Daisy and Michael, Emre, Teagan, Lily, and Bode; and her sweet canine companion “baby” Cannoli. As well as many other family and friends.

Carol was born on October 9, 1947, to her parents Willard and Ethel Billings in Wauchula, FL. She graduated from the University of Tampa with both her undergraduate and Masters in Education. She married Dennis Leroy Stafford on June 27, 1972, in Hillsborough, Florida and they spent 51 years together. Carol spent 40 years of her life working as an elementary school teacher in various Hillsborough County Schools, a job that was truly her passion, in which she helped positively impact more than a thousand of students’ lives.

Early this summer Carol was unexpectedly diagnosed with Stage 4 Lung Cancer that had spread to the brain. Despite her persistence and infectious positivity, over the next several months her health declined rapidly. Eventually, she was left without much of an ability to communicate. While she lost the ability to write, read, and speak, she was always able to say “love you” to the many family members who joined her at her bedside.

Carol was intelligent, witty, beautiful, and strong. She truly loved to laugh and enjoy time with her family, and was so proud of her children and grandchildren. She cherished her time visiting them, them visiting her in Florida, as well as talking with them on the phone and sending Snapchat selfies. She showed her love and care for them through countless handwritten birthday and holiday cards, as well as through her cheerful posts and comments on social media. Through her many visits to Portland, OR and Knoxville, TN her children and grandchildren were blessed to get to spend so much time with and learn so much from Carol. Her family grieves her loss in so many ways, and looks forward to laughing with her again one day.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a contribution to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, LUNGevity, American Cancer Society or Danny Thomas Foundation.