Carolyn Boyd

Born in Memphis, TN on March 4, 1955

Departed on September 20, 2017 and resided in Franklin, TN

Visitation: Forest Hills Baptist ChurchFriday September 22, 2017 4:00pm to 7:00pmSaturday September 23, 2017 10:00am to 11:00amCelebration of Life: Forest Hills Baptist ChurchSaturday September 23, 2017 11:00amInterment: Harpeth Hills Memory GardensSaturday September 23, 2017

Carolyn Houston Boyd, beloved pastor's wife to Dr. Sam Boyd, devoted mother of three daughters, and cherished "Mimi" to her nine grandchildren, transitioned into eternity in heaven on Wednesday, September 20th at 2:29 pm, at her home in Franklin, surrounded by her husband and all three of her children.

Carolyn came to the end of her 3.5 year battle with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) this week and fought valiantly until the end. The past 3.5 years have been a long journey for her as her symptoms began in March 2014, with diagnosis following in November. She spent the final three years of her life making memories with her grandchildren, children, husband and many friends. She is a woman of courage, bravery, and determination as she has exhibited grace and strength though every stage of this debilitating and cruel disease. She faithfully continued to minister and shine as a beacon of light to all of those with whom she encountered in her final years of life.

Carolyn was born in Memphis, Tennessee on March 4, 1955. She grew up in Memphis where she was an active member of First Evangelical Church and graduated from Messick High School. She was always outgoing, loved by all, and a friend to everyone. She loved playing outdoors with her brothers, swimming, roller-skating, as well as playing on the volleyball team. She was also active in her sorority, played softball, and loved cheerleading. She worked as an administrative assistant before marrying and raising her family.

God brought Sam and Carolyn together in May of 1976, and they were unified in marriage a few short months later on August 20, 1976. Carolyn was Pastor Sam's life partner, and they were called by God as a team in their 5 churches located in Illinois, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, and Tennessee. She was an integral part of their ministry, and their work though the years would have been impossible without her faithful encouragement and support. Countless children and families have been impacted by her service in women's and children's ministries. Together, they raised three beautiful daughters who have followed in their mother's footsteps. Carolyn was a beautiful picture of a wife of noble character, clothed with strength and dignity, and a woman who can laugh at the future because her trust is in the Lord, a true Proverbs 31 woman. As her daughters began families of their own, Carolyn served as a Special Education assistant in the Williamson County school system.

Carolyn is survived her husband, Dr. Donald Samuel Boyd, her three daughters and their families. Daughter, Whitney Lloyd, (husband Jeremy, children Isabella (7), Jackson (5), Tucker (3) & Charlotte (1), Daughter, Lindsey Gorin, (husband, John, children Sadie (6), Micah (3) & Lily (10 months)) and daughter, Britney Moore, (husband Matt, children Houston (5) and Henry (2)). She also is survived by her mother, Corrinne M. Houston of South Pittsburg, Tennessee and her brothers, Russell A. Houston of Mayfield, Kentucky and Donald P. Houston of Trenton, GA.

Carolyn was preceded in death by her Father, Rexford L. Houston, her sister Patricia H. Austin and her Brother Dr. Walter R. Houston.

The family invites you to join as they have planned a visitation for family & friends at Forest Hills Baptist Church on Friday, September 22nd, 4-7pm. Family will also have a visitation from 10-11 am prior to the celebration of life service, which will be located at the church Saturday, September 22nd at 11 am. A graveside gathering at Harpeth Hills Memory Gardens in Nashville will follow the service for all those would like to attend. Out of town friends and family will gather at Forest Hills Baptist following the graveside to share in fellowship as we remember precious Carolyn.

In lieu of flowers, Carolyn requested the family set up a memorial fund to be given to the Children's Ministries of each of the churches where her 9 grandchildren attend: Gateway Baptist Church (Irmo, South Carolina), Forest Hills Baptist Church (Nashville, Tennessee) and Rivertree Church (Owens Crossroads, Alabama). The memorial fund will be available on the Forest Hills Baptist Church main webpage at www.fhbc.org/carolyn.

The Boyd family would like to thank those who have served as the hands and feet of Jesus the past 3.5 years through the giving of meals, flowers, cards and monetary gifts, as well as other special services.

The family grieves as they see sweet Carolyn pass from this Earthly home to her eternal home in Heaven, but they celebrate that she is now whole with a strong and healthy body that can run and dance in the presence of Jesus. Carolyn made it very clear that she wants these days following her death to be spent remembering her life here on Earth, but above all, she wants everyone to celebrate that she is now safe in the arms of Jesus worshiping Him for eternity, eagerly awaiting all of those she loves so dearly to meet her in Heaven.