Carol Ann (McCormick) Wilder

Carol Ann McCormick Wilder, 78, of Freeport, Florida, passed away peacefully on January 21, 2026, surrounded by loved ones. Known to many as “Mom,” “Grandma Carol,” or “Maw Maw,” she will be fondly remembered for her strength, independence, and deep love for her family and community.  Born on October 20, 1947, in DeFuniak Springs, Florida, Carol was the daughter of the late Stanley S. and Daisy Lou McCormick. A fourth-generation native of Freeport, she was proud of her roots and the close-knit town she always called home. Carol was among the first graduating class of the newly completed Freeport High School in 1965, a milestone she cherished.  In January 1966, Carol married the love of her life, Willis “Bill” Wilder—known affectionately around town as “Neighbor.” Together, they shared many adventures as Bill’s work as a Boilermaker took them across the Southeast. Carol loved creating a home wherever they were, turning every new place into a warm second home for her family. The Wilders eventually returned full-time to Freeport in 1980, where Carol and her sister-in-law, Norma Jean, established a successful commercial cleaning service that they operated for many years.  After Bill’s passing in 2001, Carol continued to show her strong spirit, taking a job in the lunchroom at South Walton High School when it first opened. She deeply enjoyed her time there and held a special place in her heart for the students who passed through her doors each day. She retired in 2009 but never slowed down when it came to loving her family. Her grandchildren brought her immense joy, and they knew her affectionately as Grandma Carol or Maw Maw.  Carol was a lifelong member of Black Creek Methodist Church, though she attended several local congregations throughout her life. She loved antiques, Betty Boop collectibles, and Elvis Presley, but her greatest treasures were her family and the memories she created with them.  

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Bill Wilder; her parents, Daisy Lou and Stanley McCormick; brothers William H. (Sr.), Charles Emmitt, and Tommy D. McCormick and grandchild William Sheldon Levins.

She is survived by her children, Chuck and Linda Wilder and Tammie and Jeron Levins; her brother, James E. McCormick; and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren and those that called her grandma; grandchildren Savannah, Charles and Willis Reed Bartlett. Carasie, Hagen and Rhett Brown, Taytum Levins, Keaton Levins, Trinity and Caleb Inabnet, Tracy and Taylor Benton, Danyel Wilder, Corey and Lee Fink, Jade, Juan and Rowan Lugo, Trevor Senterfitt, Chloe Wilder, Sully Wilder and Hunter Senterfitt; great grandchildren Jace, Brant, Wyatt, Daylin, Ty, Rhett, Blakely and Willis.

Funeral services will be held Monday, January 26, 2026 at New Beginnings Church, 1564 FL 20 Freeport, Florida 32439, beginning at 2:00 p.m. with Rev. Louis Taunton officiating. A time of visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. Pallbearers will be Charles Bartlett, Hagen Brown, Caleb Inabnet, Ashley McCormick, Sean McCormick, Blake McCormick, and Will Canaday. Interment will follow at Black Creek Methodist Church Cemetery, 278 Memorial Lane, Freeport. 

 Our Mother’s Prayer:  
“I come to you as humble as I know how to confess my sins, Lord. You know that I am not perfect and I fall short every day of my life. But I want to take the time to say thank you—for your mercy, my health, my family, my friends, the roof over my head, the food on my table, and everything I have. Amen.”  

Arrangements and services are under the direction of Davis-Watkins Funeral Home of DeFuniak Springs, Florida.