On June 13, 2026, Carly Douglas finished her race after a hard-fought battle with cancer.
Though Carly had always been resilient, the courage and faith she displayed throughout the last several months revealed what those who loved her already knew: she possessed an incredible combination of determination, grace and unwavering hope. She fought fiercely for every moment with the people she loved and held tightly to her belief in God's power and goodness until her Heavenly homecoming. She was a fighter until the end.
If you asked a room full of people to describe Carly in one word, the most likely response would be "joy." Carly was joy personified and pure sunshine.
People often talk about those who "light up a room," but Carly was more than that. She didn't simply bring light into a space. She embodied it. Her kindness, warmth and welcoming spirit made people feel instantly at ease. Her laughter was unforgettable, the kind that could fill a room and invite everyone into it. Her hugs were genuine and wholehearted and she had a remarkable gift for making people feel seen, valued and deeply loved. Whether you knew her for decades or only for a short season, you left her presence feeling better, lighter and more loved than before. To be known by Carly Faye, was to be loved by Carly Faye.
Many people accumulate acquaintances throughout life. Carly collected genuine friendships. The depth and breadth of those friendships reflect the kind of person she was.
She remained deeply connected to friends from childhood, high school, college and every chapter that followed. Through motherhood, her nursing career, fitness, her faith community and countless everyday interactions, she built meaningful relationships that stood the test of time. Her circle stretched far and wide, yet each person somehow felt uniquely known and cherished by her.
Above all else, Carly's greatest joy was her family.
She was a devoted wife to her best friend, David, and a loving mother to River, Faye, and Townes. She found beauty in the everyday, sacred moments of life and poured herself wholeheartedly into the people she loved most. Motherhood was one of Carly's greatest treasures, and there was nothing she cherished more than being with her family. Whether celebrating her children's milestones, creating memories together, or finding joy in the ordinary moments, Carly embraced every opportunity to love her family well. She did not waste a single second of what she was given.
She was preceded in death by her grandparents James Buddy Keller, Alonzo DeBruhl, and Becky DeBruhl.
Carly is survived by her husband, David Douglas; her children, River, Faye, and Townes Douglas; her mother, Mary Keller; her father, Max DeBruhl, and stepmother, Diane DeBruhl; her brother, Corey Schuerman and wife Meg Matthews Schuerman; her sister, Kayden DeBruhl; her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Barry and Renita Douglas; her brother-in-law and sister-in-law Brock and Kellie Frisbee and countless extended family members, dear friends and loved ones who will forever carry pieces of her with them.
Faith was not simply a part of Carly's life. It was the foundation of it. Even in the midst of suffering, she continued to point people toward hope and remind them that God's goodness remains steadfast. Though her family and friends grieve deeply, they find comfort in knowing Carly is fully healed and at home with her Savior.
While our grief on this side of eternity is immense, we find peace in knowing that the faith Carly carried throughout her life has now become sight.
She is healed, whole, and home.
A celebration of Carly's life will be held at 2 p.m. June 20 at Taylors First Baptist Church conducted by Mr. Robert McKinley and Pastor Brian Habig. At Carly’s request, please wear bright colors to celebrate her life and her eternal homecoming.
Visitation will take place from noon to 1:45 p.m. prior to the service at the church.
A committal will follow in Mountain View Memorial Park in Travelers Rest.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to River’s Education fund, which can be found here: https://www.givesendgo.com/rivers-education-fund.
The family would like to thank Carly’s entire oncology team and 5th floor nurses at Bon Secours St. Francis Downtown. The whole team cared for Carly and her family so well and they are eternally grateful.
Online condolences may be made to www.thewoodmortuary.com.
