Carolyn C Braun, age 80, of Beavercreek, passed away on Wednesday, December 28, 2022. She was preceded in death by her husband, James Braun and parents, LeClaire and Roland Clayton. She is survived by children David Braun, Suzanne Braun, Janine (Karl) Borneman, Joyce (Tim) Trapp, grandchildren Andrew Borneman, Maxwell Borneman, Robert Trapp, Joseph Trapp, Jeffrey Trapp and brother William Clayton, Jr. of Athens, Georgia.
Carolyn grew up in Thomasville, Georgia and enjoyed good southern living with a loving mamma and papa and annoying little brother (just ask about the infamous jellyfish incident)! Just kidding Uncle Billy! She was surrounded by relatives and talked lovingly about the large family dinner gatherings and delicious German chocolate cakes that Aunt Bet claimed were “disasters” but always tasted perfect to her! Carolyn was active in school sports (basketball for one, as well as fencing) and an excellent student. She achieved a BA from the University of Georgia. Afterwards, serendipity led her to Dayton, Ohio to train in data entry and eventually computer programming at Wright Patterson AFB.
This was a fortunate assignment as it precipitated her meeting and then marrying her husband, James. Carolyn’s bravery was seen in this union as it also made her an instant mom of twin 6-year old daughters! Shortly after, David and Suzanne joined the family to keep Carolyn busy. She and James loved to travel and they took the family on vacation every summer to explore historic towns, national parks, and museums. She regularly took her family to visit relatives in Georgia, often spending Christmas with her parents. The adventurous couple also took trips to Europe including Germany and Italy. And Carolyn’s bravery was truly proved when she earned her pilot’s license – while pregnant with David!
Carolyn was generous with her time, volunteering with her daughters’ girl scout troop, helping Suzanne and David with school work (an excellent proof-reader among other talents!) and getting deeply involved with the local Special Olympics group that Suzanne participated in, acting as the Greene County coordinator for many years. In her spare time, Carolyn enjoyed reading mysteries, gardening, camping, hiking, doing puzzles and birdwatching from her home’s bay windows that overlooked their beautiful woods. Carolyn’s intelligence and determination showed through when, after being a stay-at-home mom for more than 10 years, she decided to update her computer programming knowledge and go back to work! She worked for Boeing for a time and then other government contractors entailing quite a bit of travel to Georgia, California, Indianapolis, IN and St. Louis, MO.
Carolyn was a loving wife, mother, sister and friend who was organized and intelligent, and both determined and tolerant. She will be greatly missed by her family.
Visitation will be held January 14 at 1:00pm to 2:00pm with a service following at 2:00pm at Tobias Funeral Home, 3970 Dayton-Xenia Rd, Beavercreek.
Donations on behalf of Carolyn Braun may be made out to the Special Olympics.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.tobias-fh.com for the Braun family.
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