CLARKSDALE – Carolyn Wilkinson Webb, 74, of Sumner, passed away, peacefully in her sleep, at home on July 26, 2023, after a battle with cancer. She was born on Jan. 3, 1949, in Montgomery, Ala., at Maxwell AFB. Carolyn was the third daughter of Colonel and Mrs. Richard Gaddis Wilkinson of Jackson, Miss.
Carolyn was raised with her two sisters, Camille, and Cathy, as United States Airforce brats. Throughout their lifetime, they lived on Airforce bases in Alabama, Louisiana, Arkansas, Nebraska and California. They also lived in Virginia while Col. Wilkinson was stationed at the Pentagon. Being raised an Airforce brat would define who Carolyn would become. She had to make new friends at new schools her whole life. Being raised in this lifestyle made her a very friendly, outgoing, fun person.
The family traveled extensively but returned to the Mississippi Delta each summer to spend time with their beloved maternal grandparents in Hushpuckena. This is where her love for Mississippi and the Delta began and never ended.
She attended Ole Miss and pledged Tri Delta sorority and was active in several clubs. She made many wonderful lifelong friends while at Ole Miss and considered it her home. She graduated with a degree in speech pathology.
Carolyn married Jack Webb III of Sumner on May 15, 1973. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary this May with their family. She worked as a speech therapist in Clarksdale for several years and then became a Kindergarten teacher at St. George’s Episcopal Day School in Clarksdale. Teaching 4-year-old kindergarten was a joy and a calling for Carolyn. She loved all her students throughout her career and loved St. George’s Day School, and her numerous co-workers just as much.
She was a very active member of The Episcopal Church of the Advent in Sumner where she served on the vestry and was a never-ending presence on the altar guild. She cherished her time alone at the church tending to the linens, altar hangings, and communion tasks. She also loved to do the weekly service readings and prayers of the people and she considered herself to be the best reader in the church.
Carolyn’s favorite pastime was knitting. She had friends all over the state, near and far, that would gather to knit. They would also travel to the Gray Center outside of Canton for knitting retreats. She made baby presents and blankets for the elderly and sick. She also knit caps for cancer patients, so they would have a cute hat to wear when they lost their hair. Knitting brought her so much joy and happiness while also gifting her cherished friendships later in her life.
Carolyn loved her family dearly. She is survived by her husband Jack, daughter Laurie Gaddis Webb Bullock (Darrell)of Clarksdale, son Jackson Webb IV (Brandi) of Sumner, sisters Camille Smith (Skip) of Newcomerstown, Ohio, Cathy Crockett (the late Tom Crockett) of Jackson, grandchildren Camille, Webb, and Wilkes Bullock, Lucy and Jack Webb V, as well as several nieces, nephews, cousins, and many other family members.
She was preceded in death by her dear parents and beloved brother-in-law, Tom Crockett.
She was loved and cared for by several special people whom the family will never be able to adequately thank for their kindness and loving care. Star Jones, Holt Williams, Sofia Rademeyer, Tequilla Metcalf, Carole Frost and Toya Bickham, thank you. Thank you for everything. A special thanks to Adrienne Hood of Grace Hospice for all your wisdom and guidance.
Honorary pallbearers will be Hart Boggan, Pete Boone, Recko Carter, Bobo Catoe, Garner Falls, Billy House, Dr. Charles O’Mara, James Pimpton and Dr. Randy White.
Carolyn will forever be remembered as one of the nicest, funniest, most generous people you could ever meet. She never met a stranger and showered kindness upon everyone who crossed her path. She was a beloved wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, sister, aunt, friend, teacher, and neighbor. Everyone that knew her was fortunate to have had her in their lives. She was loved dearly and will be missed daily.
Memorials in her honor can be made to The Episcopal Church of the Advent, Sumner, St. Jude, The Wounded Warrior Project, or the charity of your choice.
Mr. Jack Webb's address is: P.O. Box 6 Sumner, MS 38957
Celebration of life will be held this Saturday at 1 p.m. at The Episcopal Church of the Advent in Sumner with visitation following at their home in Sumner, 206 Cassidy Street, from 2 to 5 p.m.
Meredith-Nowell Funeral Home in Clarksdale is handling the arrangements.
