Carol Lewis Buffum

April 27, 2022

Carol Lewis Buffum of Vero Beach, Florida passed away on April 27 at the home of her daughter, Betsy Wood, in Greensboro, NC. Carol always kept her age a secret, but in October, she celebrated a big birthday (her 100th!) with all her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Carol was a broker for her own real estate firm, Carol Lewis Realty, in Vero Beach and still maintained an active real estate license until her death. She had a keen business mind, but more than that, enjoyed helping people. She developed life¬long friendships with many, many of her clients. Prior to opening her own business, she was a realtor with Ed Schlitt Real Estate. Previously, Carol worked part-time teaching kindergarten at Media Friends School in Media, Pa. Carol grew up during the Great Depression, in Trenton, NJ until her family moved to Philadelphia when she was 16. In 1946, she married Henry Lewis, a British naval officer, and later they moved to the suburbs to raise their family. The lure of the ocean prompted them to build a shore home near the Barnegat Bay, where she enjoyed swimming, boating, and crabbing. After being widowed in 1973, Carol and her two teenage sons moved to Vero Beach, where she worked tirelessly as a realtor to provide for her sons. She never stopped marveling at the beautiful sunrises over the ocean, the gorgeous sunsets on the Indian River, and the lush tropical foliage. In 1981, she married widower, Robert Buffum, who spent 15 years by her side lovingly supporting her in the real estate business. Together, they graciously welcomed family and friends from all over the U.S. into their home, always entertaining them with lavish meals and gifts for any children who came. Sadly, in 1996 she was widowed a second time. Her life continued to revolve around her family, as she was blessed by having her two sons and granddaughter, Carly, living close by and was able to travel to NC for special events, graduations, and weddings of her other grandchildren, as well as enjoy frequent visits from her step- grandchildren. Kay Kay, as she was affectionately called by her adoring grandchildren, hosted all the family holidays in her Florida home and even spring breaks for her college-aged grandchildren and their friends. Carol was known for wearing vibrant colors, especially hot pink and teal, and looking very stylish. Whether walking through an airport, waiting in a doctor's office, or chauffeuring a client around town, strangers would comment on her pretty clothes. She could be seen most mornings at 6AM walking 2-3 miles at Riverside Park, or afterwards at Panera's, where she would meet her close friends, Elizabeth, Ruth, and Cathy for coffee. She was known for her thoughtfulness and generosity. Carol is survived by her daughter, Betsy Wood (Jim), and grandchildren, Jeff Wood (Laura), Laurie Wood Griffis (Scott), Andrew Wood (Megan), and Carly Lewis. She is also survived by 7 great grandchildren Levi Wood; Luke, Hudson, and Gray Griffis; and Hayes, Harper, and Hadley Wood. Also surviving her are step-sons, Robert Buffum (Jeanne) and Glen Buffum (Marie), and step-grandsons, Robbie and David Buffum. Special nieces and nephews include Bill, Ron, Robert, Audrey, Suzanne, and Kim Vernon, Pat and Matt Knierim, David Heath, Beth Molyneaux, and Faye and John Nickerson. She was preceded in death by her two sons, Frederick and David Lewis, and her great grandson, Graham "Baby Raim" Griffis. Carol was a long-time member of First Presbyterian Church of Vero Beach. Funeral services will be held at Pleasant Garden Baptist Church at 1415 Neelley Road, Pleasant Garden, NC 27313 on Sunday, May 1 at 2PM. You are invited to join the family for a time of fellowship immediately following the service. At the request of the family, please wear vibrant colors in memory of Carol. In lieu of flowers, help send children with Down Syndrome to camp (founded in honor of the granddaughter of her dear friends, the Elstons) Kennedy Strong Foundation 9889 Legolas Lane Charlotte, NC 28269 Or help send medical/dental missionaries to China (granddaughter Laurie's team) Bridge to the Nations PO Box 1829 Wake Forest, NC 27588 Forbis & Dick, Pleasant Garden Chapel is serving the Family.