Mrs. Carolyn Yvonne Hill Larkin's Obituary
Carolyn was born March 15,1954, proud parents; Mr. & Mrs. Robert and Lauretta (Ladner) Hill in Mobile, Alabama. Carolyn was the seventh child of eight children given to these parents. She was always known as the “Baby Girl." Carolyn attended George Hall Elementary School. Her secondary studies were completed at Williamson High School in Mobile, Alabama. At Williamson, Carolyn was a member of the choir, ROTC, and the French Club. Carolyn was a serious student and earned membership in the National Honor Society. Her peer group was known as the "Bunch". They became lifelong friends. Carolyn's capacity to focus gained her mastery of foreign languages; especially Spanish which she spoke fluently. Raised in a Christian Family, Carolyn accepted Christ at an early age. She was baptized under the leadership of Rev. A. Leon Taylor at the Corinthian Missionary Baptist Church. Carolyn served in her church as a member of the Junior Ushers, Youth Choir, Sunbeam Band, Baptist Training Union and Sunday School. After completing high school, Carolyn entered Jackson State University. She was a gifted vocalist. Her talents enabled her to receive a scholarship to participate in the Jackson State Choir. Driven to earn her way through college, she learned to play the violin and became a member of the JSU Symphony Orchestra. Carolyn continued making academic strides and was on the Deans List consistently. This status mandated that her tuition be returned to her, which she loved. Carolyn committed to a life of service through Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. She graduated with Honors in May of 1976 having earned a Bachelors of Science Degree in Elementary and Special Education. Having completed her student teaching in Meridian Public Schools with excellence, Carolyn was offered a job at Carver Middle School.
She moved to Meridian, Mississippi and became a Special Education Teacher. In keeping with the Baptist Covenant, Carolyn united with the New Hope Baptist Church congregation in Meridian, and became a Sunday School Teacher. In addition, she joined the Sanctuary and Inspirational Choir and taught vacation Bible School. Carolyn loved to sing and will be sorely missed. She was always willing to give of her time and talents through concerts and solos. While serving as a Sunday School Teacher, she met a handsome young man who was also teaching Sunday School. Dennis and Carolyn were United in Holy Matrimony in August of 1982. This marriage was sustained until her death. This union was blessed with two children; Keisha and Dennis. Carolyn extended her love to the students she served for 36 years. Her grandchildren became the "Love of her life." Every conversation with her was flavored with nuggets about them. She loved her family and extended family and was always willing to give a helping hand to those in need. On Sunday, October 5, 2014, Carolyn moved from Earth to Glory at the University of Alabama Hospital in Birmingham, Alabama. She was preceded in death by her parents; Robert and Lauretta Hill, Sisters; Paula Reed and Barbara Mesfin. Carolyn was a strong, Christian, nurturing, kind and compassionate person. She loved Peace. Her legacy oflove and Christian work and Faith will be deeply missed by all who knew her. She will continue to live in the hearts and spirits of her husband; Dennis Larkin of Meridian, Mississippi, children; Keisha (Rev. Reginald) Garrett of Ridgeland, Mississippi and Dennis Larkin of Meridian, Mississippi, Grandchildren; Amad, Layla, and Victoria Garrett of Ridgeland, Mississippi, Mother in Law; Johnnie Larkin of Meridian, MS; Brothers; Dr. Robert Hill, Dr. Clarence (Doris) Hill of Columbia, SC, and Sherman (Beryl) of Dothan, Alabama, Sisters; Margaret Griggs of Houston, TX and Sandra (Carter) of Gary, IN, Sister in Love; Judy Jaynes of Pass Christian, MS, Sister in Law; Sondra (Shaun) Lewis of New Orleans, LA, Brothers in Law; Robert Larkin of St. Louis, Missouri; Arthur (Stephanie) Larkin of Meridian, MS; Aunt; Margaret Richardson of Dayton, Ohio, Lifelong friend; Yvonne Reed Matthews of Mobile, Alabama, Prayer Partners; Barbara Lynch, Annie Hudson, Eva Jones of Meridian, MS and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, neighbors and friends.
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