Carolyn Lee (Boling) Poteet

Carolyn L. Boling married Jerry M. Poteet on August 30, 1959 at First Baptist Church of Odessa, Texas. They settled in Grand Prairie, Texas in 1978. Carolyn retired as an administrative assistant with the Evangelism department from the Baptist General Convention of Texas.

Carolyn was born in Cleburne, Texas on June 15, 1939 to Raymon and Jennie Boling. Raymon was an oilman and Jennie a stay-at-home mom who raised three daughters: Carolyn, Madalyn, and Louise. The Bolings moved many times during the 1940’s and early 50’s. Carolyn attended 13 schools in 12 years. The family finally settled in Odessa, TX.

Carolyn surrendered her life to youth ministry as a high school student. During the fall semester of her freshman year at Hardin-Simmons University, she met Jerry Poteet. The two were engaged within months. Carolyn left H-SU to complete business school. Following their wedding, they moved to Ft. Worth, TX where Jerry began graduate school at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and Carolyn worked for the Baptist Radio and Television Commission. While in school, Jerry and Carolyn began their ministry as pastor and pastor’s wife. Karen, Randy, and Jenni were born during the early years of their marriage. In 1963, Jerry entered the United States Army. He served as a chaplain and she as a chaplain’s wife. Jerry served one year in Vietnam, while Carolyn was state-side managing the household and raising three young children. Upon his arrival home, they moved to Ft. Carson, Colorado where Jerry was a chaplain and Carolyn a chaplain’s wife. Two years later, Jerry left the regular army to become a full-time pastor and an army reserve chaplain. Together as pastor and wife, they ministered at Slidell Baptist Church of Slidell, TX; Liberty Baptist Church of Plano, TX, FBC of Anna, TX; Calvary Baptist of Abilene, TX, and FBC of Grand Prairie, TX.

Carolyn’s joy was serving with Jerry as a pastor’s wife and a chaplain’s wife, but also a Sunday School teacher to high school girls, young married and single adult ladies, and young married couples. Carolyn was involved in women’s ministry throughout their pastorates. Family came first but close behind was their church family. Serving with Jerry was one of the greatest joys of her life.

Words that might describe Carolyn: compassionate, loving, family-oriented, sweet, humble, resilient, servant, selfless, gracious, giving, helpmate, a prayer warrior, kind, devoted, positive, a bright light, laughter, joy, and thoughtful.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Raymon and Jennie Boling, and two sisters, Madalyn Boling Baker and Linda Sue Boling (who passed away as a newborn).

She is survived by her husband of 62 years Jerry Poteet, daughters: Karen Kennemur and husband Danny Kennemur, Jenni Summers and husband Steve Summers; son Randy Poteet and wife Peggy Poteet; sister Louise Boling Watson; 6 grandchildren Jerrod Kennemur and wife Heather; Joshua Kennemur and wife Keely; Jenni Kennemur; Talitha Summers; Shelby Summers; and Carly Poteet; 5 great-grandchildren: Drake Kennemur, Brooklyn Kennemur, Keegan Kennemur, Kyler Kennemur, and Kaylynn Kennemur, as well as brothers in-law, sisters in-law, nieces, and nephews.

A visitation for Carolyn will be held Monday, September 6, 2021 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at First Baptist Church of Grand Prairie, 950 Mayfield Road, Grand Prairie, Texas 75052. A Memorial Service will take place Tuesday, September 7, 2021 at 11:00 AM at First Baptist Church of Grand Prairie.

Serving as pallbearers are Randy Poteet, Steve Summers, Danny Kennemur, Jerrod Kennemur, Josh Kennemur, Drake Kennemur, Brooklyn Kennemur, Keegan Kennemur, Kyler Kennemur and Kaylynn Kennemur.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.grandprairiefh.com for the Poteet family.