of Knoxville, AR
June 26, 1935 - January 14, 2017
Carolyn Jane Handley, 82, beloved mother, Nanny, and friend peacefully passed from this life on January 14, 2017 at her home in Knoxville, AR. Carolyn Jane was born on June 26, 1935 in Henrietta, OK to Mary Ester (Nuckolls) Handley and Grover Harrison Handley.
On January 10, 1952, she was united in marriage to James Grandison (Jimmy) Withrow and to this marriage four children, Frank, Fred and Mary Carolyn ''Kari'' and, James (Jimmy) were born. After her divorce to James, she was united in marriage in 1963 to Aaron Smith and to this union a son, Preston Mark was born.
Carolyn Jane received her education in Henrietta, OK and graduated with the Henrietta High School Class of 1953. For many years, she was an instructor with Nancy Taylor Charm School and operated her own day care center. In addition, Carolyn Jane was attending the University of Arkansas-Fort Smith eventually receiving her degree in Business Administration.
Carolyn Jane was a devoted Christian and lived her life through Christ. Although she was stricken with polio as a young child she loved serving her Lord as a Sunday school teacher for nearly 50 years, Vacation Bible School teacher and as a church camp counselor.
She also enjoyed gardening, bird watching and caring for her feathered friends, her Sunday school classes, and the Arkansas Razorbacks. She later retired to a small acreage in Knoxville, AR so she could enjoy her gardening in her retirement.
She was preceded in death by her son, James (Jimmy) Harrison; daughters-in-law, Pam Smith and Terry Sue Withrow; siblings, James Handley, Juanita Walton, Kathryn Martin and Wanda Lomon.
Carolyn Jane is survived by her children; Frank (Vickie) Withrow, Fred Withrow, Mary Carolyn ''Kari'' (Jon Steven) Weohr and Preston Mark Smith; Grandchildren, Adam (Cindy) Withrow, Alisha (Todd) Kale, Stephanie (Kieran) Ferrer, Franklin Harrison (Nicole Lee Spencer) Withrow, Becky (Rufus Aaron Young) Withrow, Aric Withrow, and Taylor Withrow. She is also survived by numerous great-grandchildren many nieces, nephews other relatives and friends.
A Celebration of life will be held at 12 Noon Friday, January 20, 2017 at the Hampton Inn in Clarksville.
Arrangements are under the direction of Roller-Cox Funeral Home, online guestbook available at www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/clarksville
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4 Condolence(s)
Norma Buxton
Monday, January 15, 2024
Carolyn, I love and miss you, I was one of the two missionaries to introduce you to the gospel of Jesus Christ and I was privileged to watch the elders baptize and confirm you members of the church. You were a good example to all of us and I know that you’re doing great things on the other side of the veil, hopefully you’ve met my parents, my nephew, who just recently reached the other side and all my puppies. I love you.
Sharon Nugent
Friday, January 20, 2017
Just a message of condolence from an unknown distant relative of Carolyn. I'll have to look it up to see just how but I am some sort of distant cousin on her father's side. She sounds like an amazing lady that I would have enjoyed knowing. My prayers are for your good memories of her to bring you peace.
Blessings,
Sharon Nugent
Devina Patton
Wednesday, January 18, 2017
My thoughts and prayers are with the family of this amazing, wonderful lady. I've grown to know just what a beautiful soul she was. I will miss her company deeply but also know that heaven has welcomed a beautiful angel.
John & Barb Applegate
Tuesday, January 17, 2017
So sorry to hear of your beloved ones passing. Our thoughts and prayers go out to her loving family at this most difficult time.