of Paris, AR
December 9, 1937 - July 23, 2019
Carolyn Crawford Davis departed this life on Tuesday, July 23, in Ft. Smith, Arkansas, the same city and same hospital in which she was born 81 years before, the first child of John and Rebecca Crawford, on December 9, 1937. In the years between those dates Carolyn added love, light, joy, music and a fair bit of feistiness to a world that needs all those things.
Carolyn grew up in Danville and later in Paris, where she attended Paris Schools. Along with schoolwork, she studied piano under Evelyn Walker, an effort that would yield great results down the road. After graduation she enrolled at Southwestern State College in Weatherford, Oklahoma, and later transferred to Arkansas Tech. From there she returned to Paris and began work at the ASC. It was during this time that she met a young Paris High School typing teacher and soon accepted a date with him to a junior high football game. From that night, Marlin Davis captured Carolyn's heart, and they were married on May 25, 1958. A few years later, Marlin changed jobs and the couple moved to Little Rock, where Carolyn went to work for Travelers Insurance and where both their children were born. In 1970 the family moved back to Paris and settled into the house on South 3rd that has been home ever since. In the early years in Paris, Carolyn enjoyed hosting open house at Christmas, where she and Marlin would welcome many friends. She put her creative talents to work as a kindergarten teacher at First Baptist Church for several years and as a teacher's aide at the elementary school after that. She also gave piano lessons from her home. It was during this time that she accepted the position as organist at First Baptist Church. From her perch at the front of the church she created beautiful music every Sunday with the church pianists, including Julia Caddell and Georgia Wade. Carolyn also played for many weddings and funerals as well as special choir performances at the church. Playing organ was a ministry she dearly loved and it was with sadness that she had to give it up this past year when her health declined.
Carolyn was a devoted and supportive wife and mother, a fiercely loyal sister and friend, a faithful servant in her church. She was quick with an uplifting word or sometimes a bit of the harsh truth if it was needed. And she was not afraid to chase a referee on occasion. Love, joy, light, music and feistiness all wrapped up in a small package.
Carolyn was preceded in death by her parents, John and Rebecca Crawford, and her brother, Jamie Crawford. She is survived by her husband of 61 years, Marlin Davis, a son, Monty and Tasha Wilson of Booneville, a daughter, Marla Mullins and Howard of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, her grandchildren Jacob Carruth and Julia Carruth of Baton Rouge, her sisters, Joanne and James Hatcher of Paris and Linda Simon of Paris, a brother, John W. Crawford and Kathryn of Arkadelphia, her sister-in-law, Elaine Crawford of Van Buren and several nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be Thursday, July 25, from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. at Roller Funeral Home in Paris. Funeral services will be conducted by Rev. Clyde Vire and Rev. Harlin Brewton Friday at 10:00 a.m. at First Baptist Church under the direction of Roller Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Oakwood Cemetery in Paris. Pall bearers will be John Paul Wells, Bently Allen, Mike Core, Gene Davis, Ron Trusty and Ed Williams. Honorary pallbearers will be members of First Baptist Church choir.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Evelyn Crowe Mission Offering at First Baptist Church, 311 E. Main Street, Paris, AR 72855.
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28 Condolence(s)
Eva, Lizzie and Alex
Wednesday, July 31, 2019
We already miss you too much Nana. We hope Heaven brings as much positivity in your next walk of life as you shone in ours.
Brenda Caldwell-Jackson
Friday, July 26, 2019
With all our love and prayers.what a legacy. What a wonderful soul.
Eddie, Marilyn, Staci, Skyler Rietman
Thursday, July 25, 2019
We will miss Mrs. Carolyn so much. I have enjoyed working for her. She was like a second mother to me. I always liked to listen to her at church on the organ. So talented. Our prayers for Marlin, Marla, and Monty and her family. Heaven gained an angel.
Kelly Becker
Thursday, July 25, 2019
Sorry for your families loss! You are all in our thoughts and prayers!
juanita shade
Thursday, July 25, 2019
Thinking of your family, and sending you My Best
Prayers
Juanita Shade
Bob& Reba Grady
Thursday, July 25, 2019
So very sorry for Your loss. May God strengthen You All in the days ahead as You continue without Carolyn. Marlin, You and Your Family are in our Prayers. God is with You always.
Bob & Reba Grady.
Jim Schneider
Thursday, July 25, 2019
Beautiful lady. Beautiful life. My sincere sympathy to you, Marlin, and the family.
Marita Cooper
Wednesday, July 24, 2019
Prayers for all the family, Carolyn is a Very sweet lady, she certainly will be missed by many. I'll tell a story real quick about us meeting.... our church (when i was at First Baptist) went out into the community to invite people to church, we each took turns at the different houses inviting... I was nervous and still being new to the church, I knocked on Carolyn's door (not knowing her yet)... she opened the door and I invited her to church and handed her a flyer.... she said I go to your church, I play the organ. We both got a good laugh. After that I made it a point to get to know everyone in the church. We would look at each other and smile.
Prayers for you all.
Glenda Ezell
Wednesday, July 24, 2019
I am so sorry for your loss! She was a wonderful lady who served the Lord by being His hands and feet. She impacted so many through her teaching and music ministry. Prayers for you all!
Rani Schwartz Campbell
Wednesday, July 24, 2019
I’m so very sorry for your loss. Mrs. Davis was such a kind sweet person. She played the organ at my wedding soon to be 24 years ago and I’ll have to say I was so happy to have known I had the very best on my special day. My heart goes out to you allðŸ™ðŸ»
Barbara(Dick) Carroll
Wednesday, July 24, 2019
Miss Carolyn was my kindergarten teacher in 1976 at first baptist in Paris. She had such a kind heart! We never forget our first teacher â¤ï¸ So sorry to hear of her passing. My prayers are with the family and friends.
Marvene Butler Low
Wednesday, July 24, 2019
Marlin and family I am so sorry for your loss. Prayers to you all.
Michà el Lloyd
Wednesday, July 24, 2019
She was a wonderful person and all way had a smile .
Kim Robertson
Wednesday, July 24, 2019
I am so sorry to hear of Mrs. Davis passing. Lifting your family are in my prayers.
Kim Trusty
Wednesday, July 24, 2019
I will always remember Carolyn’s feistiness and loved her expressions of truth that was given with love. I am so sorry for your loss but know that Jamie is welcoming her in Heaven.
Allisen Penn
Wednesday, July 24, 2019
Monty and Marla: I’m so sorry for the loss of your mother. I remember her, well. My prayers are with your family as you celebrate her life.
With sympathy,
Allisen Penn
Cindy Anderson Young
Wednesday, July 24, 2019
What a wonderful influence this woman had on me from such a young age. I watched as she played the organ at our church so beautifully and then knew her through her bother Jamie. She is in God's Glory NOW! Much love and peace to her family, Cindy Anderson Young
Neal Wade
Wednesday, July 24, 2019
We were saddened to hear about Mrs Carolyn, I know that My Mom was excited to see Her when She arrived in Heaven I know that they are playing beautiful hymns together! Can’t wait to hear them again!
Please know if there’s anything we can do please don’t hesitate to let us know, I know without a doubt Her homecoming was a great one!
Prayfully,
Neal and Tamara Wade
Yvonne Hickman Moffet
Wednesday, July 24, 2019
So sad to hear that Carolyn passed away she was a friend n blessing to all who knew her. She is no longer sickly but healthy, happy n sharing her gift of music in Heaven choir. May God comfort your hearts n give you peace!!
Leann (Ferguson) Catleltt
Wednesday, July 24, 2019
What a loss! I pray everyday for God to wrap his arms around you all. My daughter loved learning piano from her.
RIP
Celeste Fox
Wednesday, July 24, 2019
Dear Linda and all family members of Mrs. Davis,
You have my deepest sympathy. I know you will find peace and strength in your faith in God. Sincerely, Celeste Fox
Carl and Nelva Wright
Wednesday, July 24, 2019
Marlin, so very sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers for you and your family.
dfbbecker38@gmai
Wednesday, July 24, 2019
Linda & family So sorry for the loss of your loved one. The family will be in my thoughts & prayers.
Monty Pratt Lowery
Wednesday, July 24, 2019
My heart is heavy as I learn of Carolyn's passing. Not only for her family but also for her friends who loved her dearly including myself. It is comforting to know that she is out of pain and in the presence of our Lord.
Marietta (Monday) Ward
Wednesday, July 24, 2019
Thank you for all the piano lessons for 8 years Mrs Davis. You were such a part of my childhood. Practicing piano and learning classical pieces and renown composers from you was a light and joy to me. You were an inspiration. See you on the other side!
Scott Breed
Wednesday, July 24, 2019
I'm sad to hear of Carolyn's passing. What a sweet lady. I pray God's peace for Marlin and the rest of the family.
Laurene Butler
Wednesday, July 24, 2019
So very sorry for your loss.
Prayers for the entire family. Peace be with you.
Sheri Turner & family
Wednesday, July 24, 2019
My deepest condolences for your families loss.