Caroline Reeves Donovan, a truly remarkable Southern woman, passed away peacefully on Friday, May 22, 2026, at 8:00 PM. Born on April 20, 1942, Carol lived a life full of passion, dedication, and an unwavering love for her family and all living things.
Ahead of her time, Carol was a successful working woman who owned her own business, demonstrating her feisty spirit and determination. Her heart had an incredible capacity to embrace the world, yet she was also known for her formidable will and stubbornness, a true South Carolina woman through and through.
Carol adored her family, including her beloved husband, William Donovan, her sons, Donald Buffkin Junior and Gerald Wendell Buffkin and William David Buffkin, her two sisters, Lillian Neely and Marty Tinkler and her two stepdaughters Elizabeth and Margaret Donovan. She also leaves behind many cherished grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her love extended to her pets, who were an important part of her life.
Carol found joy and solace in her faith. She possessed a deep love for gardening, with an encyclopedic knowledge of every flower and plant she tended. Her beautiful, elegant, and spirited nature will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.