Carolyn Brown

Jerry Carolyn Brown

7/3/2024

Jerry Carolyn Brown, affectionately known as Carolyn, 81, of Deland, FL, passed away peacefully on July 3, 2024 encircled by her loving family.

Carolyn, the youngest of 5 siblings, was born in Kingsport, TN to the late Albert and Drexie (Morelock) Taylor. She grew up in Hanover, PA and at the age of 17 moved to Deland, FL where she graduated from Deland High School.  She met and married the love of her life, Jack, at Stetson Baptist Church where they remained faithful members throughout her life.  Married for 61 years they lovingly raised two children and created a home together full of love, family and service.

Carolyn adored her church. Her faith and life were intertwined. She had a beautiful voice and loved to sing in the choir, mixed quartet, ladies ensemble and often provided the special music for services. Together with Jack, she attended Sunday School and actively visited the nursing homes and shut-ins to provide love and comfort.

Over the years she enjoyed her bowling league, traveling, visiting with family, attending reunions, and her special “birthday group” luncheons where laughter and stories would fill the room.  She could sew beautifully and had a passion for flowers and gardening.  However, her greatest joy and source of pride came from her five grandchildren who lovingly call her Memaw.  She never missed a birthday call to her children or grandchildren where she would sing the eagerly anticipated and cherished Happy Birthday duet with PawPaw.

Carolyn’s joy, signature smile and sweet demeanor were ever present in her life, even as she bravely fought breast cancer in 2016. She was an inspiration of kindness whose memory will be deeply treasured.

Carolyn is preceded in death by her brothers Charles and Jack Taylor as well as her brother-in-law Ted Gardner. She is survived by her devoted husband, Jack; her son Kevin Brown and wife Beverly Brown; her daughter Jeri Marko and husband Bruce Marko; her sister Wanell Gardner; brother, Ron and wife Rita Taylor, sisters-in-law Delores Taylor and Loretta Taylor; and her cherished grandchildren Derek Ham, Taylor Marko, Kaylie Brown, Allye Marko, and Connor Brown.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, July 13, 2024, from 9:30-10:30 a.m. at Stetson Baptist Church, followed by a funeral service at 10:30 a.m. Burial will take place at DeLand Memorial Gardens. Following the interment, the family invites friends to join them back at the church for lunch.

Lankford Funeral Home is entrusted with the arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, a memorandum contribution can be made to Stetson Baptist Church’s Music Ministry.