Carolyn Yvonne Bates (Owens), OHS 1958.

At the age of 71, Carolyn Y. Owens was called to her heavenly home surrounded by her family on Friday, June 1, 2012.

Carolyn was best known for her sharp, frank, quick wit, her love of life, devotion to her family and friends and most of all her strong Christian Faith of which she exemplified every day. She was a wonderful and devoted wife to her late husband, Charlie, a great mother to her sons Kelly and Van, and their wives, Michelle and Janet, and a loving grandmother to Grant, Jordan, Brookelyn, Jackson, Jacob, Jamie and Julie. Carolyn was born to Stanley Asbury and Ruby Pauline Bates on June 22, 1940, in Snyder, Okla.

She grew up and attended school in Odessa, Texas. She then moved to Junction City, where after meeting Charlie, they were married and lived most of her life there raising her children and family. Carolyn was very involved with her church, especially the youth. She enjoyed sewing, reading, cooking for her family and friends, and was very involved with her grandchildren.

She is survived by her two sons, Kelly and Van; her siblings, William “Bill” Bates of Glenrock, Wyo., Billie Joe Bates of Odessa and Jimmy Bates of El Dorado. She was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband, “Hoppy;” and her siblings, Jackie, Willard and Judith. Carolyn was a kindred spirit, never meeting a stranger and kind to all whose paths she crossed. She moved to Crowley, La., after the death of her spouse and made many new friends. She enjoyed volunteering at St. Michael Catholic School and as a Pink Lady at American Legion Hospital. She will be greatly missed by all. Carolyn not only gave of herself freely while living but also continues to give by her choice to donate her body to medical research.

Her memorial services will be held on Saturday, June 9, at Three Creeks Baptist Church in Junction City, Arkansas. Visitation will begin at 9:30 a.m. until the time of service at 11 a.m. with Brother James Sparks officiating. A lunch reception will follow the services in the church hall.  

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to: Three Creeks Baptist Church, 8772 Haynesville Highway, Junction City, AR 71749; or St. Michael Catholic School, 805 E. Northern Ave., Crowley, LA 70526. Her family would like to thank Dr. Chad Vincent and the staff at American Legion Hospital, Dr. James Dobbs and the staff of Heart Hospital, as well as the critical care physicians and ICU nursing staff at Lafayette General Medical Center. Local arrangements have been entrusted to Geesey-Ferguson Funeral Home, 301 N Ave. F, Crowley, LA 70526

Published: 06/06/2012