Carol McCord Garland

Mary Carol McCord Garland passed away at her home on May 17, 2026. She was known as Carol to her friends and family.

Carol was born June 27, 1932 to B. L. and Theo McCord in Kerns, Texas. She grew up as an only child, but, was surrounded by a lot of love and attention from members of her father’s churches, who served as a Methodist Minister in the Central Texas area. Carol graduated from North Texas Univ. in1952 with an Education Degree.

Carol met her future husband, Houston Garland, on a blind date her senior year. They were married in June 1953, and remained happy and devoted to each other for 63 years of marriage until Houston passed away in 2016.

Carol’s teaching career spanned 25 years with plenty of time off to raise her 3 boys. She taught English at J.P. Elder Jr. High and Leonard Middle School before her retirement. She was a member of The Fort Worth Women’s Club and Arlington Heights United Methodist Church. She served as a volunteer at the Fort Worth Convention and Visitors Bureau and Harris Hospital Southwest.

They raised 3 sons and attended as many school, church and sports events, as possible, through their school years. Carol’s favorite time of year was celebrating Christmas with all of her family. After she and Houston retired, they traveled together to 53 countries. Their final trip was to Tahiti for their 60th wedding anniversary.

Carol was preceded in death by her parents, her son Greg Garland, and her husband Houston. She is survived by her sons, Alan Garland and wife, Sue, Drew Garland and wife, Sandy, grandsons: Weston, Brant, Judd, Mike and David, great grandchildren Greg, Sophie and Gabriel.

Celebration of Life will be 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, June 3rd, 2026, at Arlington Heights United Methodist Church, 4200 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth. 

Memorials: The family requests in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Arlington Heights United Methodist Church or a Charity of your choice.