Carolyn E. Sumrall

Carolyn E. Sumrall, 88, born February 18, 1937, peacefully departed this earthly life into the arms of her Lord and Savior on October 8, 2025, at her home surrounded by family. Affectionately known as Mawmaw to many, Carolyn had a humble and gentle soul who loved the Lord Jesus with all her heart and served Him faithfully throughout her life. She possessed a quiet strength and steadfast faith that were louder than words and an inspiration to all who knew her - reflecting unwavering faith, humility, and love. Everything she did, she did with care - whether it was crocheting a handmade doily, preparing her famous tea cakes, or offering a soft-spoken word of encouragement. Her relationship with the Lord was at the heart of everything she did. She lived her faith daily, not through grand gestures, but through her kindness, patience, and the way she made everyone feel valued and loved. She had a special gift for making her home feel like a haven - filled with warmth, laughter, and the smell of tea cakes baking in the oven. Mawmaw found joy in simple things: crocheting, sewing, and more than anything, she loved being surrounded by those she cherished - her children, grandchildren, and many great-grandchildren. Her presence was a comfort, her smile a reassurance, and her hugs a reminder that everything would be okay. Carolyn was deeply devoted to her church and served faithfully for many years. Whether she was teaching Sunday school, helping in the kitchen for church dinners, crocheting blankets for new babies, or simply offering a listening ear and a prayer for someone in need, she did it all with grace and humility. She didn’t seek recognition - she simply wanted to serve the Lord and bless others. Her church family meant so much to her, and her gentle presence and steady spirit left an imprint on everyone she met there. To know her was to be blessed. Her legacy isn’t just in the generations she leaves behind but in the love she planted in each of our hearts - love that will continue to grow just like the many flowers she propagated. Carolyn had a gift for bringing life and color to the world around her. Her yard was always filled with blooms, each one carefully tended and loved. She often said that watching flowers grow reminded her of God’s faithfulness - how something small, when cared for with patience and love, could blossom into something beautiful. Much like those flowers, her kindness and faith blossomed in every part of her life. When she wasn’t in her flower beds or serving at church, she found peace in crocheting, sewing, and spending time with her family. Her home was always warm and welcoming - filled with laughter and the gentle comfort that only she could provide. She was preceded in death by her parents, Porter and Melvia Fountain; her husband, Coleman Sumrall Sr.; her son, Timothy King; and brother Bobby Fountain. She is survived by her sister Bobbie Nell Odom, her loving children Ricky (Shorty) King, Karen (David) Pickering, Elisa (Billy) Rayner; and grandchildren Sarah (Matthew) Temple, Brodie (Anne) King, Jessica Dobson, Julie (Jeremiah) Guthrie, Kimberly (Brandon) Johnson, Caitlyn (Allen) McCluskey, and Austin Rayner along with a niece, nephew, and a host of great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren who adored her deeply. Carolyn’s life was a beautiful example of quiet faith, love, and service. Though she will be deeply missed, her legacy of kindness and devotion will live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her. Visitation will be held Saturday, October 11, 2025, from 10-11 AM at Memory Chapel Funeral Home in Laurel , MS, with a graveside service to follow at Hinton Cemetery in Ellisville, MS. To view and sign the online guest book, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.

Carolyn E. Sumrall

February 18, 1937 - October 8, 2025