Carol Reiser Albertus, 79, of Carrollton died Tuesday, July 14, 2026, following an extended illness.

She was born October 20, 1946, in Parkston, SD, to the late Emily Anna Lang and John Dietrich Reiser. Her parents lived on a small farm in Tripp, SD, where she and her three siblings grew up.

Following high school graduation and completion of an accounting degree, she married Dan Albertus, a high school sweetheart who was then in the U.S. Army. The couple made their home across the Midwest, started a family, and ultimately ended up in Lilburn, Ga., during their three children's formative years.

This is where Carol Albertus' true character started to be noticed. Not unlike many other mothers of her time whose children were involved in myriad activities, she carpooled extensively, kept a calendar on her refrigerator to keep up with her daughter and sons' upcoming practices, and was an ever-present parent attending their performances and games. Even though she still also worked outside the home, she joined the band, soccer and basketball booster clubs at Parkview High School in addition to continued strong involvement in their home church.

After her children, Angela Buck, Mark Albertus, and Matthew Albertus, became adults they didn't forget their mother's unending support over the years. Their appreciation was formally recognized when she was named Mother of the Year in White County, Ga, where she lived at the time.

"My brothers and I are all adults with families of our own, but we know that no matter how far we travel, or how old we get, mom is thinking of us, praying for us, loving us, and most of all, she is there for us," daughter Angie wrote in an essay submitted to the White County County News & Telegraph, which selected Carol Albertus as the honoree for 2006, chosen over dozens of other nominees.

Carol Albertus continued to be a presence in the lives of her children and grandchildren and later moved to Carrollton, Ga., to be close to her sons and their families. She loved to read and to travel – especially when it involved her family – and was a devout Christian who was a member of First Baptist Church Carrollton. There she was a constant participant in Bible studies and loved her Sunday School class and Happiness group.

True to form, she didn't hesitate to also get involved in the community – as a volunteer and chaplain for Tanner Health, a member of Friends of the Library, and Carrollton Women's Club, where she also served as president.

Carol had an optimistic outlook, a mischievous sense of humor and was a blessing to her friends, family and all who met her.

She is survived by her daughter, Angie Buck (Dr. Todd Buck); sons, Dr. Mark Albertus (Rebecca Hardiman); Matt Albertus (Christina DiCicco); eight grandchildren, Zachary Buck, Emily Buck, Josh Albertus, Kate Albertus, Andrew Albertus, Elizabeth Albertus; Charlotte Grace Albertus, and Matthew John Albertus Jr.; and a brother, Burton John Reiser. Her other siblings, Elaine Schmidt and LaVonne Goodell, preceded her in death.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Thursday, July 16, 2026, at 11:00 am at First Baptist Church Carrollton, with Pastor David Hughes officiating.

The family will receive friends during a visitation beginning at 9:30 am in the Fellowship Hall at First Baptist Church Carrollton, immediately preceding the service.

Those wishing to honor Carol Albertus' memory may make a donation to the Friends of the Library at friendsofneva.org .

Martin & Hightower Funeral Home is honored to serve the Albertus family during this difficult time. Messages of condolence may be shared with the family at www.martin-hightower.com.