It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Amy Caroline Sanders Carlson, aged 65, who peacefully passed away on August 19, 2025, in Carrollton, Georgia. Born on February 8, 1960, in Lakehurst, New Jersey, Amy was a vibrant spirit whose life was filled with adventure, love, and a deep commitment to education.

Amy earned a Master's Degree in Science Education and dedicated her career to teaching at West Georgia Technical College. Her passion for learning and sharing knowledge inspired countless students and colleagues alike. She was more than just an educator; she was a mentor and a friend to many.

Outside of the classroom, Amy embraced the great outdoors with an enthusiastic spirit. She was an avid bird watcher and spent countless hours tending to her flower garden, finding beauty in every bloom. Her adventurous side shone brightly during her younger years when she hiked down into the Grand Canyon and back up, a testament to her love for nature and exploration. The beach held a special place in her heart, and she cherished the moments she spent there with her family, soaking in the sun and creating lasting memories.

Amy was a dedicated mother to her three children, Joe (Meg), Lisa, and Ben, and a loving grandmother to Eloise and Raleigh. The grandchildren will always remember the special and challenging "Granny hikes" they went on together and swimming with the manatees. She cherished every moment spent with her family and took great joy in the laughter and love they shared.

She leaves behind her father, Jimmy Sanders; significant other, Ward Gilbert, and his children, Dylan and Natalie; sisters, Camille Handley and Anne Marie Worley; and countless friends and loved ones who will miss her dearly.

Amy was preceded in death by her mother, Mary Elizabeth Groves Sanders and her brother, Lee Sanders

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held to celebrate Amy's life at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church on Monday, August 25, 2025, at 12:00 PM. Prior to the Mass, friends and family are invited to visit at Martin & Hightower Funeral Home on Sunday, August 24, 2025, from 4:00 PM until 6:00 PM. The Rite of Committal and Burial will follow in the church cemetery with the following gentlemen serving as pallbearers: Zach Worley, Sam Worley, Lee Worley, Brandon Handley, Tom Davis and Charles Sanders. Raleigh Carlson will serve as an honorary pallbearer.

In honoring her memory, we encourage all who knew her to share stories, laughter, and reflections on a life well-lived. Amy's spirit will forever remain in the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing her.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made in Amy's honor to: WGTC's Adult Education program which offers free instruction in reading, writing, math, and English language acquisition, as well as preparation for the GED® and HiSET® tests. The program also offers English as a Second Language (ESL) classes, career services, and short-term workforce training programs.

Messages of love and condolences may be shared with the family at www.martin-hightower.com. Martin & Hightower Heritage Chapel is honored to care for the Carlson family during this time.