Carole Cason Horton

Carole Cason Horton, 93, of Meggett, South Carolina, passed peacefully into eternal life, at home surrounded by loved ones, on Saturday, April 4, 2026.

Born on April 16, 1932, in Savannah, GA, Carole was the daughter of the late Mamie (Taylor) Cason and the late John J. Cason. Following the untimely death of her mother at birth, Carole was raised by her maternal grandparents, Hattie and Zachary Taylor, along with her aunt, Francis LaVoice. She grew up surrounded by a very large close-knit extended family and maintained deep lifelong bonds with her siblings and cousins, all of whom she cherished as brothers and sisters. 

Carole was a devoted wife and mother who raised four children alongside her husband, Colonel Joseph R. Horton Sr., a United States Air Force officer and pilot. Throughout his distinguished career, she was a constant source of strength and support, actively involved in the Air Force community both as a leader and a mentor to many. Of all her many contributions, her most cherished was managing a consignment store, sponsored by the Officers' Wives Club, whose profits went to serve young enlisted forces and families in need.

Beyond her dedication to family and military life, through her unwavering belief, she was a devoted and faithful servant of the Lord. She was a long-standing member of the Lord of Life, Lutheran Church in Southern California and Wesley Memorial Methodist Church in South Carolina.

Carole was deeply passionate about the sport of purebred dogs. She bred, raised, and exhibited top-winning Great Danes and earned the respect of her peers for her knowledge, integrity and commitment to the breed. She was a long-time member of the Great Dane Club of California, where she served on the Board of Directors as Treasurer for many years. After relocating to South Carolina with her daughter Susan, who shared her passion, Carole continued her involvement in the dog community as a proud member of the Charleston Kennel Club.

Carole will be remembered for her strength, resilience, and unwavering devotion to those she loved. Her legacy endures through her family, her contributions to the world of purebred dogs, and the countless lives she touched with her guidance, kindness, and generosity. Carole’s exceptional sense of style, adventurous spirit, and infectious sense of humor will remain forever in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Carole is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Colonel Joseph Richard Horton, Sr.; her parents, John J. and Mamie (Taylor) Cason; daughter, Laura Horton; and son, Joseph Horton, Jr.

Carole is survived by her daughter, Susan Richards (Kent); son, Stephen Horton (Christina); her grandchildren; great-grandchildren; and extended family members who will continue to honor and cherish her memory.

A graveside service will be held on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, at 1:45 pm, at Riverside National Cemetery in Riverside, California. National Cemetery requirements are all attendees arrive a minimum of 20 minutes in advance for staging and processionals.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Fisher House Foundation and The Great Dane Club of America, Charitable Trust.

Expressions of sympathy may be viewed or submitted online at mcalister-smith.com/.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to McAlister-Smith Funeral and Cremation - West Ashley, 2501 Bees Ferry Road, Charleston, SC 29414, 843-722-8371.