01/06/2026
Civitarese – Carolyn Hilliard Civitarese, age 83, of Starke, Florida passed away peacefully on January 5, 2026, at her residence with her loving family by her side. She was born in Jacksonville, Florida on March 10, 1942, to the late Asbury Waldron, Sr. and Carrie Cribbs Waldron. Carolyn was raised in Jacksonville, where she met the love of her life, Tommy Lewis Hilliard. They were happily married on April 26, 1958, shortly after Carolyn graduated from Andrew Jackson High School. Together, they were blessed with 39 wonderful years of marriage and five precious children. They made Bradford County their home, where they lovingly raised their family. Carolyn was a devoted homemaker whose greatest passion in life was her family. She was hardworking and gifted with her hands. Throughout the years, she worked as a seamstress and proudly owned and operated Carolyn’s Upholstery. She enjoyed sewing, making headliners, reupholstering furniture, and even woodworking—talents that reflected her creativity, dedication, and strong work ethic. She also served as a Custodian at the Bradford County Courthouse for 20 years, a career she truly enjoyed. In her free time, Carolyn loved her daily five-mile walks, spending time in nature, and working in her yard. Years after Tommy’s passing, Carolyn married her best friend, Anthony “Tony” Civitarese, and together they were blessed with 14 wonderful years of marriage until his passing in 2014. More than anything, Carolyn’s life was firmly centered on her love for Jesus Christ, her Lord and Savior, and her family. She was a longtime, devoted member of Sampson City Church of God, where she found great joy in praising and worshiping alongside her church family. Carolyn was deeply treasured and will be immensely missed by all who knew her. She was preceded in death by her parents; husbands, Tommy Lewis Hilliard, Sr. and Anthony “Tony” Civitarese; siblings, Eugene Waldron, Everett Waldron, Thelma Thrift, Everlyn Mullins, Asbury “Buddy” Waldron, Jr., and Laura Mitchell; and her grandchildren, Betty Ruth Reddish and Trudy Taylor.
Carolyn is survived by her loving children, Lola Evern (Wayne “Doug”) Douglas of Bulverde, TX, Teresa (Joey) Faulkner- daughter and longtime caretaker, Tommy Lewis Hilliard, Jr., Carolyn “Toots” (William) Reddish, and James Todd (Julie) Hillard, Sr. all of Starke, FL; adopted son she inherited from her sister Laura Mitchell, Jay “Dooney” (Lillian) Adams of Jacksonville, FL; grandchildren, Heather Wheeler, Rick Faulkner, Jasmine Brown, Jason Faulkner, Cindy Layne, Scarlet Wheeler, Tressie Hilliard, Brittany Davis, Tommy Hilliard, III, Joey Faulkner, Dylan Hilliard, Kristin Holland, Houston Fender, James Todd Hilliard, Jr., Kelsey Lewis, Harleigh Hilliard, Dakota Hilliard, Cecilia Griffis, Haileigh Nelon, and Reid Hilliard; along with several grandchildren she loved and claimed as her own; 38 great grandchildren; 8 great-great grandchildren; along with many extended family members and friends.
A Celebration of Carolyn’s Life will be held on Friday, January 9, 2026, at 2:30 pm at Sampson City Church of God with Brother John Frampton, Dr. Rick Adams, and Reverend J.T. Tomlinson officiating. Interment will follow at Evergreen Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Thursday, January 8, 2026 from 5:00 – 7:00 pm at the church. Arrangements are under the care and direction of V. Todd Ferreira Funeral Services and Archie Tanner Memorial Chapel, Starke, Fl. 904-964-5757. Visit www.ferreirafuneralservices.com to sign the family guest book.
