There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance. - Ecclesiastes 3:1,4

Carolyn H. Austin, age 72, passed away on November 20, 2021. She was born on December 24, 1948 in DeFuniak Springs, Florida.

Throughout her life, Carol was devoted to her family and adored her daughter, Leesa. She loved watching Leesa roller skate and listening to Leesa's singing (whether it was on a stage or in her personal concert while driving in the car). Carol enjoyed going on adventures and spoiling her grandchildren, Karalee and Jake. There are many fond memories of singing Rod Stewart and Fleetwood Mac on road trips, going school shopping (getting more clothes/shoes than were necessary), stopping at every McDonalds, in an attempt, to win the Monopoly game.

Carol spent many hours in the yard with Jake hunting bugs (if you know anything about Jake – he loved bugs when he was a child and wanted to be an entomologist astronaut) so in true Carol style, she did everything she could to encourage his pursuit of bugs. She also loved her time dancing around the house (with Jake) while ringing in the New Year to New Year's rocking eve. She loved baking cookies, playing games, and watching movies with her great grandchildren, Shelby and Colt. Wesley, Karalee's husband, also held a very special place in Carol's heart (she thought the world of him). She also held a special place in her heart for Leesa's husband, Mike.

Although the family was not conventional, there was always love, encouragement and support (even if she did not agree with your decisions, she always supported them).

Carol loved the beach, finding seashells, spotting/watching pelicans, and watching the sunset. Carol enjoyed live music and eating good food with those she loved. It was not uncommon for Carol to wake up on Saturday mornings and play Hymns on her mama's piano. Carol was kind with a very sensitive soul who loved all those around her. She loved giving hugs (even to complete strangers). She would go out of her way to help anyone in any way she could.

She loved to encourage her friends and family in whatever they needed encouragement doing. She always went above and beyond to make the people around her feel welcomed and accepted. Those who knew her never questioned if she loved them, she made sure they knew (she never let you off the phone without saying "I love you". She was overjoyed with pride when her daughter and granddaughter graduated from college (her regret was that she never received her degree).

Carol made it possible for her granddaughter to have private dance lessons. She kept Karalee in the best new dance shoes and clothes. As a result, Karalee was able to open a dance studio that would reach a community of little girls. Because of Carol's help and encouragement those little girls found a love for dance and did many years of recitals to show off their skills.  By trade, Carol was an executive assistant for over 40 years of her life.

However, it has been rumored that she worked with the C.I.A due to her incredible research abilities.

Mrs. Austin was preceded in death by Lynn Henderson (brother), Edna Henderson (mother), Ira Henderson (father), VH Cuchens (brother in love), Willie Dee Cuchens (sister), WA Cuchens (brother in love), Wilma Cuchens (sister), Jeanette Gandy (sister), WC Gandy (brother in love), Nell Henderson (sister in love), Alva Baker (brother in love), Anneice Baker (sister), Jackie Bruner (brother in love), David Bruner (nephew), Greg Henderson (nephew), Henry Cuchens (nephew), Kristen Gandy (great niece), Chris Cuchens (great nephew) and Ryan Gandy (great nephew)

Mrs. Austin is survived by Leesa Butler (daughter) (Mike Buter - spouse), Karalee Glore (granddaughter), Wesley Glore (son in love), Jakob "Jake" Henry (grandson), Shelby Glore (great granddaughter), Colt Glore (great grandson), Maveen Bruner (sister). Several nephews/nieces and several great nephews/nieces.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 10:00 AM, Saturday, November 27, 2021 at Clary-Glenn Funeral Home Chapel; 230 Park Avenue, DeFuniak Springs, Florida 32435 with Matthew Pate of Caryville Baptist Church officiating.

Flowers are being accepted.