Carolyn was born in Jacksonville, Florida to Helen Brown Adams and Thomas Burton Adams, Jr. She graduated from Lee High School in Jacksonville and received a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University after attending Florida State University. She was a member of Tri Delta sorority. She enjoyed participating in Garden Club activities and gave back through volunteer and civic service at Junior League and food pantries in several cities.
She worshiped Christ as a member of the Episcopal Church and was a devoted and joyful altar guild member at Holy Comforter in Tallahassee and at St. Michael’s in Orlando.
Carolyn was young at heart and enjoyed the love and admiration of her family and friends. She appreciated all things in nature – birds, frogs, flowers and trees. Carolyn embodied kindness to others. She listened and gave sage advice and participated in life with spirit and sass.
Our beloved daughter, sister, mother, grandmother and friend is survived by her mother, Helen B. Adams, Jacksonville, FL; daughter, Callie DeHaven, Tallahassee and Fernandina Beach, FL; granddaughter, Taylor Hardee, Tampa FL; sisters, Augusta Bird, Monticello, FL; and Fran Adams (Nick), Wilmington, NC; niece Abigail Bird Donovan (Pete, children, Clara and Helena), Austin, TX; three half-siblings, Susan Adams (son, James Henry) Fellsmere, FL; Sarah Adams Anderson (Anders, children, Azelle and Baz) Cincinnati, OH; and Tom Adams, Tallahassee, FL.; first husband of 21 years, Jim DeHaven, Tallahassee, FL and three stepchildren, Sally Abel (Rick, children, Elizabeth and William), Orlando, FL; Cindy Backus (Clark, children, Sara and Kyle), Leesburg, VA; and Roy Gilbert, Jr. (daughter, Campbell), Los Altos, CA.
She was predeceased in 2016 by her beloved husband of 33 years, LeRoy Runge Gilbert.
The family wishes to thank especially Debra Schaffer and Lisa Wilson for their devoted care-giving.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Helen Taylor Brown Scholarship Fund, c/o Stetson University, Office of Donor Relations, 421 N. Woodland Blvd, Unit 8286, DeLand, FL 32723 or Florida Audubon (Fl.audubon.org – click on Donate)
Memorial Services will be held at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Jacksonville, Florida on February 24, 2018 at 3 PM. Inurnment will occur at a later time.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home of Mandarin, 11801 San Jose Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32223, www.hgmandarin.com, 904-288-0025.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18