Carol Gartsman

It will surprise no one who knew Carol’s organizational skills that she wrote her obituary years ago and included it in her papers. I have amended it only to reflect family deaths. Gary

Carol Whitley Gartsman passed away on September 16, 2025, after a courageous battle with Lewy Body Dementia. Carol, born in Wharton, Texas August 19, 1944, loved her hometown and considered it the cornerstone of a happy and successful life after she moved to Houston to accept a position with the Methodist Hospital and Baylor College of Medicine.

Her career in health care administration spanned twenty years during which she served on the boards of the Texas Hospital Association and Medical Group Management Association. Her efforts on behalf of children’s health and literacy issues were the focus of her philanthropic activities and community service. Her interest in orthopedics and preventing congenital deformities led her to serve on the board of the March of Dimes, American Heart Association, Juvenile Diabetes Foundation and Northwoods University. She also served on the board of the Houston Grand Opera and volunteered for the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston Symphony and many other cultural and community service organizations. She was active in several literary groups and served as past president of Book Worms. She thought her best dressed awards from the Houston Chronicle great fun; however, she considered her award as volunteer of the year for the Houston Public Library the most important. She attended Rice University, Wharton County Jr. College and was almost always enrolled in a continuing education course. Her great love of literature expanded her interests to writing and producing children’s educational films. When she wasn't on the golf course with her husband, Orthopedic Surgeon Gary Gartsman, she visited her favorite time-out place, the River Oaks Bookstore.

Carol is survived by her husband Dr. Gary M. Gartsman, son, Robert Carter Hunt, daughter in law, Marie Hunt, grandson Cameron Carter Hunt, step grandson Justin Moore and sister Gail Parker, in addition to many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her father Robert Whitley, mother Ruby Meadows Whitley and brother Richard Whitley.

In lieu of flowers and for those desiring, memorial contributions can be made to the March of Dimes, Baylor College of Medicine, Office of Advancement and Alumni Affairs, PO Box 4976 Houston Texas 77210

(https://www.marchofdimes.org/ways-to-give )

A Private service is planned for a later date.

Services are under the direction of Wharton Funeral Home. Condolences may be left at whartonfuneralhome.com.