It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of our mother, Carmen Santos Diaz, who left this world peacefully, surrounded by her loving family, on November 18, 2024, at the age of 90. Carmen was born on September 28, 1934, in Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico, to Cruz Santos and Antonia Orizal. She lived a life filled with love, joy, and devotion to her family. 

Carmen married Gilberto Molina Diaz, and together they had 13 children (Teresa, Carmen, Sonia, Gilbert, Jr., Cynthia, Robert, Debora, Frankie, Albert, Jamie, Anthony, Lisa and Melissa) creating a unique family bond rich with love. Eventually they settled in Columbia, South Carolina for 50+ years, creating priceless memories. 

Carmen's love for family was unmatched. Her purpose in life was to instill the importance of family values in everyone she encountered, which she did so effortlessly.  Carmen never met a stranger and often spoke of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren with a smile on her face and much joy in her heart.   

Her favorite things in life included taking vacations with her loved ones, playing Bingo with her friends, spending time with her family, and cheering on the Atlanta Braves. Let’s not forget her favorite meal, any time of the day, was bread with butter and several cups of coffee.  Her laughter was infectious, and she lit up any room with her sweet and outgoing personality. 

Carmen is survived by 12 of her children, numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and many other family members and friends who will carry her memory in their hearts. She is preceded in death by her husband, Gilberto, her son, Albert, and her grandson, Tommy Stutts.

Funeral services will be at Thompson Funeral Home at Greenlawn Memorial Park, 845 Leesburg Road, Columbia, SC 29209, on Sunday, November 24, 2024, at 12pm. Immediately following the service, the family will host a celebration of life reception until 2:30pm. 

May Carmen rest in peace, eternally. She will be deeply missed, but her legacy of strength and love will never be forgotten.