Carol Jean (Turner) Guessford

Carol Jean Guessford, 80, of Hagerstown, MD, passed away peacefully on Friday morning, December 19, 2025, at Doey’s House Hospice of Washington County. She was born on November 20, 1945, in Williamsport, MD.

Carol is survived by her husband of 62 years, Gordon Guessford. She is also survived by her daughters, Staci Harshman and her husband, Craig, of Smithsburg, MD, and Kristi Gibbs and her husband, Kenny, of Lihue, HI. Her granddaughters are Elizabeth “Libby” Johnson and her husband, Colby, of Hagerstown, MD, and Charlotte Harshman of Smithsburg, MD. Carol’s great-grandson is Hunter James Johnson. She also leaves behind many other family members and friends who will miss her deeply.

Carol was the sixth of seven children. She was predeceased by her sisters Dixie Kelley, Donna Fischer, and Lois “Sis” Gelwicks, and by her brothers Harry Turner, Wayne Turner, and Douglas Turner. Her parents, Claudis “Poots” and Charlotte (Scott) Turner, also passed before her.

Carol was a kind and gentle woman with a heart of gold. She was a homemaker who loved spending time with her family and friends. She enjoyed traveling, collecting antiques, and looking for treasures on the beach, in thrift stores, or at antique markets.

Carol loved finding the perfect gift for every occasion, whether it was a holiday, birthday, anniversary, or just to show she cared. Giving gifts was her way of showing love, and everyone who knew her felt it. She made sure to be there for every birthday, recital, graduation, and celebration. She was also known for making her raspberry almond thumbprint cookies and Maryland spaghetti, which were family favorites and often requested.

A small private graveside ceremony will be held in June 2026, followed by a Celebration of Life. The family will share more details about the event honoring Carol at a later date.

In place of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to the Maryland Food Bank of Hagerstown.

Arrangements are entrusted to J.L. Davis Funeral Home, Smithsburg, MD. Online condolences may be shared at www.jldavisfh.com.