Celebrating the life of
Carlyle Lanier Buelvas
May 21, 1940 - January 21, 2026
Carlyle Lanier Buelvas, age 85, passed away peacefully on January 21, 2026 at Spanish Oaks Retreat under the excellent care of Spanish Oaks Hospice.
Carlyle was born on May 21, 1940 in Brooklet, GA to Rae and James Lanier. Determined to live independently, she pursued and was granted a scholarship to attend Georgia Baptist Nursing School in Atlanta. While completing her nursing degree, she met Raul S. Buelvas, Sr, who would become her husband on July 16, 1961. Together they had four children Carlyle Rebecca, Carmen Maria, Raul Salvador and Susan Lorraine. After they married, they moved to Bogota, Colombia where Carlyle immersed herself in the Colombian culture, language and their family. They eventually returned to Savannah where she helped her husband build his orthopedic practice. She was very involved in the Women’s Auxiliary to Georgia Medical Society, The Huntingdon Club and a member of the Savannah Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. She went on to establish a successful design business at Carlyle’s at Market Walk where she grew her love for jewelry design. She was a talented designer, artist, and entrepreneur. She was a member of the Landings Bead Society where she shared those talents.
She traveled all over the world but her favorite trips included mystery trips with her grandchildren. She was most passionate about her family and dear friends. She was always the consummate hostess and excellent cook. Carlyle was well known for her vibrant personality, witty sense of humor, and generous spirit.
She is survived by her husband of 65 years, Raul S. Buelvas, Sr. and her children Carlyle (Becky) Buelvas-Nowicki (Raymond), Raul S. Buelvas, Jr. and Susan Lorraine Buelvas. She is survived by her siblings Madge Lanier Edwards (Joe), James Bennett Lanier (Beverly) and many other dear family members she cherished. She is survived by her grandchildren James Nowicki (Ava), Wills Nowicki (Cassie), Olivia Karcher (Michael), Becky Buelvas and Carlyle Buelvas-Rollins. She has three great granddaughters Ramona Jack, Marceline James and Addison Sofia.
She is preceded in death by her daughter Carmen Maria Buelvas, her parents Rae and James Lanier and her grandson Raul S. Buelvas, III.
A private graveside service will be held.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Spanish Oaks Foundation. Please call 912-508-0911 and ask to speak with a Foundation Coordinator.
The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to everyone at Spanish Oaks and Spanish Oaks Hospice who showed her exceptional care and unwavering compassion.
I am so sorry to see this. She was a wonderful person and always remembered who everyone was. My family was forever grateful to her, Dr. Buelvas and the clinic. Prayers for peace.
- Joan Clabbers, Savannah , GA
I'm so sorry for the loss of my Aunt Carlyle. She was truly a remarkable woman who had a zest for life. I will never forget as a child when she would invite me to her pool and the fun dinners that we would have together. I know she is in a better place and in her memory I will try to live life to the fullest like she did.
- Joe Edwards IV, Savannah, GA
She was a very special lady and one of the classiest I have ever known..
- Carol Letcher, Savannah, GA
Dear Carlyle our hearts are broken. You were like family and meant so much to all of us. Rest in peace
- Germana Ivaldi and family , Springdale , Arkansas
Suzy, I am just finding this on Facebook. I am so sorry for your loss. What a beauty your Mom was! The write up about her was a testament to her great life and her great family. God bless her and her family especially at this difficult time.
- Mary Hebing, Houston, TX
Please accept my deepest condolences for your loss. She will be missed. My love goes out to Raul Sr and Raul jr and Becky, Olivia and the Edwards family.
- David Palmer, Savannah, GA
To the Buelvas and Edwards families, please accept our sincere condolences on your loss. You all will be in our thoughts and prayers. Wishing you peace and beautiful memories for your comfort. Martha and Roy Swindelle
- Martha and Roy Swindelle, savannah, GA
Praying for each of you during the time. Mrs Buelvas was a beautiful, inspiring lady. Being around her always gave me a smile and encouragement. She will be missed . Sending love
- Lori Jackson, Savannah, Ga
My condolences to the family! She will be missed.
- Shirley Caines, Pooler, Ga
This news is heartbreaking! Mrs. B was lovely, kind, funny & generous. I am very sorry for your loss, which will indeed leave a big hole in your lives. My love to each of you!
- Shelby Powell Drinkard, Smyrna , GA
The whole Ivaldi's family: Ernesto, Dora, Carlo, Giovanni and Laure, Germana, joins in offering our deepest condolences for the loss of Carlyle. We are with you in our thoughts during this difficult time.
- Giovanni Ivaldi, Pavia, Italy
My sincere condolences, Raul. Your mother showed me such kindness when I first met her many years ago, and I always remembered her classy style. Keeping you, Olivia, and the entire family in my thoughts and prayers.
- Karen Carswell, Dublin, GA
I was so saddened to read about Carlyle's passing. I was so lucky to get to know her during our years in Huntington and then followed her to her first store, CARYLE's. What fantastic years. My heart goes out to all of the Buelvas and Edwards families. I will be thinking about you during this very difficult time.
- Judy Braun Booker, Savannah , Georgia
My sincere sympathy to the family of lovely Carlyle. I am saddened by the news of her passing. Barbara Aronson
- Barbara Aronson, Savannah , GA
Rest in Peace!!!
- Mary Collins, Savannah, GA
Rest in Peace!!!
- Mary Collins, Savannah, GA
Raul and Becky, I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your beautiful mother. Much love to you and your family
- Shelby Hoose, Lucien and Vail Hoose Kerner, Clayton , MO
Nursing is a calling. It is giving of one's self to enhance the lives of others. The members of the Coastal Georgia Nurse Honor Guard will remember Carlyle's life as a nurse and the difference she made in peoples' lives. Her legacy will live on in the hearts of those she cared for. Condolences to the family.
- Coastal Georgia Nurse Honor Guard, Savannah, GA
Mr.Raul, I'm sorry to hear about the passing of Mrs.Carlye. She was such a sweet lady. I always enjoyed helping the both of you. May your heart be filled with all the love you gave to her.
- Waltisa WilliamsStevens , Savannah, GA
Dr. Builds and Becky, I'm very sorry for your loss. Sending prayers for peace and comfort to you and your family.
- Dawn T Gorko, Savannah, GA
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
- Arrangements are incomplete and will be announced.
