Carol Fookes Ryder

AIKEN, South Carolina – Carol Fookes Ryder, 90, passed away on July 15, 2024. Carol was born in New Rochelle, NY, in 1933, the first daughter of the late Raymond and Hedwig Fookes.

In 1955, she graduated from Rhode Island School of Design with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree and married Frederick Dodson Ryder. Mr. and Mrs. Ryder moved to Aiken, SC, and were active members of First Presbyterian Church and the Aiken Community Playhouse. Carol was an art teacher in several Aiken schools including St. Angela Academy, Aiken Jr. High School, Mead Hall, and Tri-Development Center. She was an accomplished artist, gardener, wildlife enthusiast, and environmentalist. She supported charitable organizations for pet adoption and preservation of land and wildlife. She served First Presbyterian Church as an elder, deacon, Stephen Minister, and choir and handbell member. She actively supported First Presbyterian’s mission projects and painted murals on the walls of the children’s wing.

Carol was preceded in death by her parents, her husband of 45 years Fred Ryder, and her stepmother Margaret Rodger Fookes. She is survived by son Robert Dodson Ryder (Vicky) of Marietta, GA; two daughters, Catherine Anne Ryder of Aiken, SC, and Susan Ryder Whitaker (Gary) of Lexington, SC; grandson Ryan Frederick Ryder of Marietta, GA; sister Sandy Fookes Adler (Roy) of Annapolis, MD; brother R. Rodger Fookes (Claudia) of Lenoir City, TN; and several nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at First Presbyterian Church on Tuesday, July 30th at 2:00 PM. The family will receive friends following the service in the church fellowship hall. Private inurnment will be held in the church columbarium. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Presbyterian Church, 224 Barnwell Avenue, NW, Aiken, SC 29801; or the Hitchcock Woods Foundation, P.O. Box 1702, Aiken, SC 29802.

SHELLHOUSE FUNERAL HOME, INC., 924 HAYNE AVE., AIKEN, SC 29801