Caroline Carmichael

Caroline Johnson “Johnnie” Carmichael, a true Southern Belle and lover of all things Frank Sinatra.  She was born January 9, 1928 in Newberry, South Carolina to the late Henry Grady Johnson and Annie Delle Johnson and passed away peacefully on January 22, 2022 at her home surrounded by her beloved family.  Johnnie, as she was known by in her early years, was a 1944 graduate of Myrtle Beach High School and a 1948 graduate of Brenau College in Gainesville, Georgia.

Caroline married the love of her life, Don Carmichael, in 1952 and had three children; Breck Carmichael [married to Caren] of Irmo, SC, Dennis Carmichael of Myrtle Beach, SC, and Crystie Carmichael Helms of Myrtle Beach, SC. Caroline had one granddaughter, Kelsey Carmichael [engaged to Hunter Bickley] of Columbia, South Carolina. Kelsey was the apple of her grandma’s eye and Caroline was looking forward to their wedding in July, to be held in Murrells Inlet, SC.

Before marrying Don, Caroline was a ball room dance instructor in Myrtle Beach and also an activities director for the city of Myrtle Beach.

Caroline and Don raised their children in Spartanburg, SC. During their time there Caroline served as the Event Coordinator for Hillbrook Forrest Garden Club, enjoyed bridge with friends, and volunteered with various organizations. Caroline was deeply rooted in the Myrtle Beach community and was a member of First Presbyterian church for many years.  She was the 1948 May Queen at Brenau College and was a participant in the first Miss Sun Fun pageant in 1951.

Caroline always said, “Treat your company like family and your family like company.” Everyone who was blessed enough to know Caroline knew she lived by this and treated everyone as if they were family.

Known as an avid story teller and epic teller of jokes she would keep you in stitches all while maintaining the epitome of grace and class. Her happiest times were hosting parties at her home surrounded by all of her friends and family. Her last celebration was just two weeks ago for her 94th birthday.

Caroline’s favorite TV show was The Golden Girls and as the theme song says and as Caroline would say “Thank you for being a friend”.

A celebration of life will be planned at a later date.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers memorials be made to The First Presbyterian Church of Myrtle Beach, Agape Hospice, or The Make a Wish Foundation.

The family would like to express their deep gratitude for Dr. Patrick Ryan of Main Street Physicians, Tara Mueller with SC House calls, Claire Donovan with Agape Hospice, dear family friend Adam Brewer, the entire First Presbyterian church family and long time and wonderful caretakers, Janice Frye, Bonnie Greene and Dee Hattersley.

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