Carolyn Hartley

After ten years in Mississippi, the family moved to North Carolina, and eventually settled in Winder, Georgia. Carolyn graduated from Winder Barrow High School, where she was active in the Spanish Club, Varsity Cheerleader, honor society, Anchor Club, and MYF at church.

After high school, she attended Georgia Southern College. It was on the first day of college that she met the love of her life, L.W. Hartley. They were married on December 19, 1967. Two years later, Carolyn graduated from Georgia State College with double majors, one in special education, and the other in elementary education.

In 1969, Dana, their daughter was born, followed by a son, Keith, in 1972. Carolyn often expressed that the happiest days of her life were taking care of the two children and being able to attend all of their sports, academic, and music activities.

L.W. was in logistics and transportation in the food industry, so the family lived in Georgia, Wisconsin, Alabama, and eventually settled in Hanford, California. Carolyn taught reading in all of those states, but the longest tenure was 18 years at Kings River Hardwick School. She loved first grade, and touched many young lives with her love of learning and reading. She often encouraged her students telling them, "first, you learn to read, then you'll love to read to learn".

She was a Sunday school teacher for both children and adult classes, Boy and Girl Scout leader, Deacon in the First Presbyterian Church, Agape women's group leader, and secretary of the retired teacher's organization for several years. Carolyn was an avid reader and started a book club with many of her close friends after retirement.

During their retirement years, Carolyn and L.W. traveled to several countries. They were able to visit England, Scotland, Ireland, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Alaska, and Hawaii. For their 50th anniversary celebration, they cruised for 30 days to the South Pacific. They also took several trips in the United States and visited both sets of grandchildren as often as possible.

Carolyn's love of animals, especially dogs, was conveyed to her children and grandchildren. There was never a time when a dog was not adopted and loved.

Friends often commented on Carolyn's honesty, integrity, and strong work ethic. She had a strong faith in God and family.