Carolyn Ebbert

Carolyn's early years were spent on a sharecropper's farm where she learned to chop and pick cotton alongside her parents Turner (John) and Mary Richardson, and her younger brothers Bob and Stan. She was responsible for her youngest brother Glen, and often told stories of dragging him on her gunnysack in the cotton fields. She earned the nickname of "Karo" after dumping a bucket of Karo syrup on her head. The name was later shortened to "Kay", as she was known for many years. Kay loved to sing with her dad as he played his guitar.

At age 12, Kay moved with her family to California, where their lives improved dramatically. Jobs were plentiful and the family could finally afford to buy a home. They were delighted to have indoor plumbing.

Kay married her high school sweetheart, Bob Owens, and gave birth to her daughter Cindy at age 19. Two years later, she had remarried to John Newham and gave birth to Liz. Johnny and Kay were married for 11 years. They were active in Girl Scouts, PTA, and they were avid bowlers.

For a few years Kay was married to Ray Ebbert. As she became active in the workforce, she returned to her birthname of Carolyn. Carl Perryman came into her life several years later and became a beloved member of the family.

She loved to dance, paint, and make floral arrangements. She often made clothing for herself and her children. She adored her grandchildren Kristen, Adam and Kyle. Spending time with family was extremely important to Carolyn and she would participate in most any activity they pursued. She enjoyed ocean boating adventures and would assist with house builds and Christmas parties in Mexico.

At age 71, Carolyn experienced a brain aneurysm rupture that would have killed most people. Although able to live semi-independently for a time, the many brain surgeries took a toll, and she became increasingly incapacitated. She was in Hospice and was expected to pass when her family moved her to a different caregiver, where she experienced a miraculous turnaround. She slowly gained control of her body again and was eventually able to live semi-independently for several years. It was during this time that Carolyn started attending church and was baptized in the Christian faith.

At age 84, Carolyn was ready to be with the Lord. Liz and Bob were at her side when she passed peacefully on May 25, 2024, thankful for the 13 extra years of life that she received.