Carol Joan Crosby

    Carol Joan Crosby, age 73, passed away peacefully on November 4, 2018 at her home in Fort Walton Beach,  surrounded by loving family members. 

    Carol was born on May 27, 1945, to Tom and Hazel Pascoe on their farm in Winchester, New Hampshire.  She took dance lessons at an early age, learned to square dance and call square dances with her dad, and developed a lifelong love of dance. She was a loving babysitter to her nephews and nieces during her teenage years.   Carol graduated from high school in Swanzey, New Hampshire, and began her career in the insurance field, working at a local agent’s office.  In 1967, her parents moved to Fort Walton Beach, Florida, and Carol followed them to the area in 1972.  She got a job at Long Insurance Agency, and soon met the love of her life, Harry Crosby, a divorced father of four.  Harry and Carol married in 1975; Carol was a loving and fun-loving stepmom to her children. She loved animals, camping, water skiing, dancing and goofy jokes, and shared her enthusiasm for the things she loved with her family. 

     Carol took classes at a local dance studio and progressed rapidly to an advanced level.  She taught her children and grandchildren the waltz and jitterbug, as well as how to water ski and drive stick shift vehicles.  She also helped her husband with his garden, blanching and freezing vegetables all summer. They enjoyed fishing for redfish together in their little boat under the Destin bridge.  Carol sang silly songs to the fish to make them bite, and it often brought in a big catch!  She was truly a blessing from God to her family.

    Harry and Carol later joined Mary Esther United Methodist Church, where Carol became treasurer and then president of the United Methodist Women’s group.  She developed a heart for the homeless and spearheaded the Cold Night Shelter program at Mary Esther UMC, obtaining a state grant, and organizing supplies and volunteers, so that the church could care for the homeless weekly on Monday nights, when the temperature dropped below 40 degrees.  She often said the Lord led her every step of the way during this process.   

     Carol was one of the original members of a bunco group that started November 6, 2001 and met monthly at the American Legion; she often spoke fondly of enjoying good times with these special ladies. 

    Carol was known by many names:  Mom, Grandma, Nana, Aunty Cow, and Aunt Carol, but they all meant the same thing to her family and friends:  unconditional love.  That is her legacy.

     Carol is survived by stepdaughter Terri Barlotta (Nick), stepsons Jimmie Crosby (Cindy), Michael Crosby (Sue), grandsons Nick Barlotta III (Brandy), Jon Crosby (Sarah), and Alex Barlotta; granddaughters, Alexandra Gabrielle Lemoine (Stevens), Breonna Martinez (Deren), Katie Crosby, Tessa Barlotta, and Heather Morgan (RJ).  Great grandchildren include great grandsons Joey Sullivan, Anthony and Sterling Kelly, James Martinez, and ‘Peanut’ Lemoine; and great granddaughters Ashley Barlotta (Henry & Baby Celina), Alexandria Barlotta, & Lilly Porras.     

     She is also survived by nephews Doug Washburn (Helen), Ken Washburn, David Washburn (Danita), Brian Pascoe (Tina), Mark Pascoe (Gina), Russell Pascoe (Cathy), Garry Pascoe (Kim), and nieces Donna Miller (Rob), and Lisa Ballow (Edwin).  Great nephews include Ben Washburn (Kristen), Noah Washburn (Amanda), Gabe Washburn (Kristen), Caleb Washburn, Andrew Pascoe (Katie), Shane Pascoe, Christopher Pascoe, and David Pascoe.  Great nieces are Jennifer Danielson (David), Jaynah Johnson (Aaron), Rachel Washburn, Haleigh Pascoe, Elizabeth Henry (Herbie),  Amber Brooks (David), Robyn Miller & Mandy Gordon (AJ). 

    Carol was preceded in death by her husband Harry Crosby, and stepson Tony Crosby, her parents, Tom and Hazel Pascoe, brothers Tom and Gordon Pascoe, sister Audrey Washburn, nephew Danny Washburn, and niece Lori Scott.  She was also preceded in death by her dogs JoJo, Little Bit and Pooh.  We know that she is with the Lord in heaven, enjoying a reunion with her husband and all those who have gone before her, as well as her beloved pets. 

    Davis Watkins Funeral Home is entrusted with arrangements.  Visitation will be Tuesday November 13th, at 1:00pm, with the funeral service to follow at 2:00pm.  There will be a reception at the funeral home after the funeral service with light refreshments, for friends and family.  There will be no graveside service; interment will be at Beal Memorial Cemetery.  Flowers are welcome, as well as donations in Carol’s memory to the no-kill animal shelter of your choice, or the Okaloosa Coalition for the Homeless.