Carol Joyce Critchlow, age 82, of Canton, Georgia, passed away on Sunday, August 23, 2026, at Wellstar Kennestone Hospital.

Carol was born on January 16, 1944, in South Bend, Indiana, to the late Stanley and Irene Dabros. An only child and a self-proclaimed “daddy’s girl,” Carol spent most of her life in South Bend, a place she always considered home.

To know Carol was to know “Nana.” It was a name she wore proudly and one that came to mean so much more than simply grandmother. At the very center of Carol’s life was her family, whom she loved with her whole heart. She was happiest when the house was full, and she had a special way of making everyone who walked through the door feel welcome, comfortable, and loved.

Carol’s devotion to her family could be seen in both the big moments and the ordinary ones. When her older grandchildren were young, she helped care for them while still working night shift. Years later, that same devotion remained as she faithfully made sure her youngest grandson got to the bus stop early every morning, rain or shine. She especially loved watching her grandson, Jackson, play baseball and proudly referred to him as her “#1 slugger.” Being Nana was not simply a title for Carol; it was one of the greatest joys of her life.

Carol also knew how to have fun and had a personality all her own. She loved bingo, good seafood, crafting, the color purple, Notre Dame, and the Chicago Cubs. Give her a hot glue gun and some supplies, and there was no telling what she might create. She had a particular appreciation for anything with a little glitz, glam, or “bedazzling,” as she called it.

And Carol certainly knew how to make an entrance. A true fashionista, she had a bracelet for every outfit and could often be found with her nails painted to match. For Carol, there was rarely such a thing as too much sparkle.

Her creativity and sense of style served her well throughout the many years she worked as a beautician from her home. She later worked nights stocking shelves at Meijer, where she continued to demonstrate the strong work ethic that was such a part of who she was.

Carol treasured the relationships she built throughout her life. She shared a particularly close bond with her special cousin, Marie Knapp. The two rarely let a day pass without a phone call (and sometimes two or three) to catch one another up on life and, of course, the latest gossip. Though, if you asked them, they would quickly correct you: they weren’t nosey, only “inquisitive.”

She also shared more than 50 years of friendship with her best friend, Wanda Dishman, a friendship that stood the test of time and became another treasured part of Carol’s life.

In addition to her parents, Carol was preceded in death by her loving husband, Gerald Critchlow, and their son, Wayne Critchlow.

She is survived by her sons, Scott (April) Critchlow of Canton, Georgia, and Gerald Critchlow of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, who was not only her son but also her faithful bingo partner; daughter-in-law, Jennifer Critchlow Sobocinski; five grandchildren, Macc Buczek, Madyson (Jonathan) Kazmierzak, Dayten Scroggins, Ty Critchlow, and her “#1 slugger,” Jackson Critchlow; three great-grandchildren, Carter Kazmierzak, Molly Kazmierzak, and Nora Kazmierzak; her special cousin, Marie Knapp; her best friend of more than 50 years, Wanda Dishman; and many others who were fortunate enough to know and love her.

A Celebration of Life honoring Carol will be held on Sunday, October 18, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. at the Crumstown Conservation Club in North Liberty, Indiana. Family and friends are invited to gather together to celebrate Carol’s life, share memories, and remember the love, laughter, and unmistakable sparkle she brought to the lives of those around her.

Carol leaves behind far more than names and dates. She leaves behind a family who knew what it meant to be loved completely, a lifetime of memories, countless laughs, a little extra sparkle, and a phrase that became as much a part of saying goodbye as hanging up the phone.

At the end of every phone call, those who loved her could count on hearing the same words—words they will undoubtedly carry with them for the rest of their lives:

“I love you more.”

The caring staff of Darby Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Mrs. Carol Joyce Critchlow.