Carolyn Leigh (Sanner) Livingston passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family, on July 3, 2026, in Leonardtown, Maryland. She was born on February 18, 1943, in Riverdale, Maryland, to the late George Myrtland Sanner and Virginia Dare (Croson) Sanner.
Carolyn was the beloved wife of the late Ernst “Ernie” Carlton Livingston, with whom she shared 51 wonderful years of marriage before his passing in 2013. At just 8 years old, Carolyn announced that she was going to marry Ernie—and on September 1, 1961, she did. Sustained by her deep Christian faith, Carolyn lived with the quiet confidence that this life was not the end and looked forward to the joyful day when she would be reunited with her beloved Ernie in heaven. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her brother, George M. Sanner II, and her brother-in-law, Pete Muller.
She is survived by her loving children, Ernst “Chuck” Carlton Livingston II (Barbara) of Mechanicsville, Maryland, and Robin Gail Kirby (Tony) of Mechanicsville, Maryland. She also leaves behind her cherished grandchildren, Anthony Kirby Jr. (Yasi), Samantha Leigh Dunston (Colton), and Sarah Walton (Nicholas); her treasured great-grandson, Owen Kirby; her sister, Linda Gail Muller; her sister-in-law, Darleen “Cookie” Sanner; and many extended family members and dear friends who will miss her deeply.
Carolyn found joy in life’s simple pleasures. She loved working crossword puzzles, hosting and attending holiday dinners with family, and traveling. She and Ernie enjoyed RV adventures throughout the East Coast, with Smith Mountain Lake, Virginia, holding a special place in their hearts. Together they also visited the Biltmore Estate, Branson, Missouri, Nashville, Tennessee, Nantucket, and Martha’s Vineyard with cherished friends.
In 1966, Carolyn and Ernie began spending their summers at their home in Golden Beach, where they created treasured family memories that will be cherished. In 1999, they made Golden Beach their permanent home after Ernie built Carolyn the home of her dreams.
Carolyn also enjoyed cruising, jet boating, attending boat races and car shows with Ernie, and spending time with those she loved most. She generously gave her time as a volunteer at her church, served pizza at middle school dances, co-led Brownie and Girl Scout troops, and faithfully served refreshments during the Bluegrass jam sessions at Mount Zion, where she enjoyed welcoming everyone with a warm smile.
Professionally, Carolyn dedicated 23 years of service to Prince George’s County Public Schools, where she worked as a Food Service Area Supervisor before retiring.
Carolyn will be remembered for her unwavering faith, devotion to her family, generous spirit, and the kindness she extended to everyone she met.
Family and friends are invited to a visitation at Brinsfield Funeral Home in Charlotte Hall, Maryland on Thursday, July 16, 2026 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The funeral service will be held the following day, Friday, July 17, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Brinsfield Funeral Home. Carolyn will be laid to rest at Mount Zion United Methodist Church in Mechanicsville following the funeral.
In leiu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Carolyn’s memory to one of the following worthy organizations:
- Tunnel to Towers Organization https://t2t.org/
- Mount Zion United Methodist Church https://www.mtzionmech.org/
- The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation https://www.cff.org/
Condolences may be made to the family at www.brinsfieldfuneral.com
Arrangements by Brinsfield Funeral Home & Crematory, P.A., Charlotte Hall, MD.
