Carolyn Ann Slay

Carolyn Ann Jones Slay was the second child born to Willie L. Jones and Ella Lindsay, on December 25, 1943, in Canton, Mississippi. She made her transition from this life surrounded by family on Monday, June 24, 2024, to be with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. While growing up in Canton, MS, Carolyn gave her life to Christ at the age of eight (8) and was baptized by Willie Lee Jones, her grandfather and Baptist Minister. While living in Burke, Virginia, she was a faithful member of Greater Little Zion Baptist Church and Preservation of Zion Christian Fellowship and served as a Deaconess for 26 years. She also served on the Nursing Home Ministry and was an active participant with Vacation Bible School. Before moving to Virginia, Carolyn attended Union Baptist Church, Pascagoula, MS. While there, she was a member of the Missionary Ministry, Pastor’s Aid Club, and Usher’s Ministry. Carolyn graduated from Lanier High School, Jackon, MS. Carolyn attended Tuskegee Institute, D’Youville College School of Nursing and graduated from Jackson State University in 1967. She also earned a Master’s Degree in Education from the University of South Alabama. Carolyn dedicated much of her life to teaching. She was concerned with better ways to teach and help children, and desired to contribute to the intellectual growth and maturity of youth. During her tenure with East Park Elementary School, Moss Point, MS, she was nominated Outstanding Elementary Teacher of America for 1974. She also taught school in the St. Louis Public School System, Job Corps Program, Clearfield, Utah, and served as the Project Director for the HeadStart Program in Ogden, Utah. Carolyn taught grades from 4th through 12th for a total of 37 years. She retired from Arlington Public Schools in June 2010. Carolyn met the love of her life, Autry Devan Slay, in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi. On July 22, 1967, they united in marriage, and remained married for fifty-six years. To this union, three children were welcomed: Kendall, Stephanie, and Denmark. She supported her children in all their endeavors. Carolyn was preceded in death by her husband, Autry and siblings: Richard Tucker, Marie Cogdell, Charles Jones, and Ronald Jones. Carolyn will be missed by her children, Kendall (Rhonda) Charles Town, WV., Stephanie (Arthur), Woodbridge, VA., and Denmark (Jacqueline), Woodbridge, VA; a brother, Willie C. Jones (Fannie) of Jackon, MS, six grandchildren; Kalandra, Brandon, Keith, Brian, Lauren, Denmark, II, eight great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. We realize that as much as we loved you, God loved you best. We cherish the precious memories of your love and commitment to your family, faith, and guidance even when your health began to fail. These recollections will bring comfort in the days ahead. TAKE HIM IN THINE ARMS O’LORD AND EVER LET HIM BE A MESSENGER OF LOVE BETWEEN OUR ACHING HEARTS AND THEE. A visitation will be held Saturday, July 6th at 10 AM at Mount Calvary Baptist Church, 4325 Chain Bridge Rd, Fairfax, Virginia 22030. A funeral service for Carolyn will follow at 11:00 AM. A graveside service will occur Monday, July 8, 2024, at 10:00 AM at Quantico National Cemetery.