Wednesday, October 18,2017 11:00 AM
FLIPPER TEMPLE AME CHURCH
580 Atlanta Student Movement Blvd. Atlanta, Georgia 30314
ORDER OF WORSHIP IN HONOR OF
Processional Hymn of Praise Invocation Choral Praise Old Testament Reading Gospel Message New Testament Reading Prayer of Comfort Musical Selection Expressions of Appreciation
Musical Selection Proclamation Presentation Expressions of Appreciation
Musical Selection Eulogy Acknowledgements Benediction Recessional Interment Repast
"Blessed Assurance" . The Congregation The Reverend Dr. Gregory Eason Senior Pastor, Flipper Temple AME Church "Peace Be Still" Flipper Temple Unity Choir. Thelmon Larkin, Soloist The Reverend Delman Smith Flipper Temple AME Church The Reverend Thomas McKibbens Flipper Temple AME Church The Reverend Donald Daniels
Pastor Emeritus, Wiley UMC, Chattanooga, TN The Reverend Michael Jones Flipper Temple AME Church
If I Can Help Somebody". Michael Gray, Soloist
The Honorable Patsy Porter. Judge, State Court of Fulton County Ms. Edna Massey. Longtime Neighbor Ms. Catherine Lawson . Dear Friend Ms. Chris Abron . Usher Board Number One Total Praise" . Flipper Temple Unity Choir Office of The Honorable C.T. Martin . Atlanta City Council, District 10
Lilton Griffin. Booker T. Washington, Class of '56 Ms. Nikki Ector, Niece Ms. Deborah Lewis, Church Class Leader "We Shall Behold Him" . Ms. Camille Pierce, Soloist The Reverend Dr. Gregory Eason Ms. Felicia Jeter Randolph . Cousin The Reverend Dr. Gregory Eason
Lincoln Cemetery Flipper Temple Fellowship Hall
It was a frosty winter day in Atlanta that January 11th in 1938 when little Carolyn Tidwell was born, but the welcome she received was very warm. Born into the loving family of Clarence and Nellie Ruth Tidwell and named in honor of her dear aunt, that day Carolyn Frances joined her big sister, Beverly and a large, affectionate, rambunctious extended family. Years later, little sister Rita would join them.
Carolyn, a self-assured, beautiful young girl with a magnetic personality and radiant smile, was a born leader. Whether playing with friends at University Homes, doing her schoolwork at E. A. Ware Elementary School, as a busy Brownie or later as a member of Girl Scout Troop #147, Carolyn always knew how to get things done and how to give others the confidence to do their best. She loved life, made friends easily and cared deeply. One childhood friend said, "all it took was that smile".
Outspoken without being abrasive, Carolyn had a way of helping others see a better way of doing whatever needed to be done. Later in life, people would come to depend on her leadership qualities, to listen to her counsel and heed her wisdom.
At Booker T. Washington High School she was a favorite among teachers and students alike, active, involved, generous and considerate. As Miss 1Oth Grade, she waved at the parade crowds from the floats, along with Miss Washington High. She was a standout on the Swim Team at Washington Park and enjoyed summers away at boarding camp. After graduation, she was a lifelong fan of her alma mater. As an active member of the Class of '56 Club and the BTW Athletic Booster Club, she organized reunions and citywide activities, cared for members and raised money for team awards and uniforms.
But it was Norman Wilcox, a handsome young charmer from another school who won her heart. Their marriage in 1957 lasted a lifetime. Together they built a life and raised their two sons, Victor and Garrett, who brought even more joy and purpose to their lives.
A dutiful, loving wife and mother, Carolyn was also very active in her community, organizing activities, fundraisers and celebrations for young and old. A wonderful cook and hostess, the door to her home was always open and everyone could always find a warm, home cooked meal, comfort, nurturing and some good solid advice on life, inside.
Like her parents before her, Carolyn was an active, lifelong member of Flipper Temple AME Church. Flipper Temple was her second home and its members her spiritual family. Active on two different Usher Boards, the Retirement Committee and wherever she was needed, Carolyn Wilcox was an active leader in the Church, as in the rest of her life. Well known and ever present, she was a role model of love, care, concern, attention to detail and trying to do the right thing.
One friend joked that Carolyn was "Everybody's Mama". If nobody else sent you a birthday, congratulations or sympathy card, you knew Carolyn would. If no one else attended your event, visited you in the hospital or attended your parent's funeral, Carolyn would be there. Roses for the elders on Mother's Day, fruit baskets for the shut in on Christmas, clothes from her own closet, quite literally, the shirt off her back. Always, always giving.
Carolyn seemed to know everybody and was an active participant in the lives of each one she knew. A caring ear, a warm heart, a word of correction, abundant praise and always, a ready smile. For" sure, Carolyn loved good folks, good times, good food, good music, a good deal, stylish dressing and staying on the move. Trips to New York, the Bahamas and train rides to casino holidays all brought her happiness and great memories. Despite untold challenges, hers was a generous, joyous life full of love and laughter.
Carolyn's mother, father, sisters and oldest son all preceded her in death. She leaves her dear husband, Norman, her beloved son, Garrett and a host of dearly loved relatives and cherished friends.
Carolyn Wilcox has touched so many lives with love since that cold January day she was born. In her own warm, unique way she has left an indelible mark on all our hearts. Those of us fortunate enough to have felt her touch deeply miss her and will remember her... always.
FORMER FLIPPER TEMPLE AME PASTORS
The Reverend Dr. Thomas Bess Pastor, Allen Temple AME Church
The Reverend Augusta Hall Pastor, Bethel AME Church, Augusta, Georgia
PALLBEARERS
Donice Bloodsworth Robert lsom Thelmon Larkin Keith Lewis Nathaniel Parker Norris Roberts
FLOWER BEARERS
The Women of Usher Board Two
HONORARY PALLBEARERS
The Men of Usher Boards One and Tw The Men of BTW Class of '56
HONORARY FLOWER BEARERS
Catherine Lawson Odette Glass Elizabeth lies The Women of BTW Class of '56
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
With deep and eternal gratitude the Family acknowledges every kindness, every good wish and every prayer. You truly have been the wind beneath our wings. May God continue to hold you in His mighty arms, as we continue to hold you in our hearts.
FINAL ARRANGEMENTS ENTRUSTED TO: Carl M. Williams Funeral Directors, Inc. Darryl Allen's Plus Printing
IF YOU COULD SEE
If you could see me now, y Though you may not understand --.-:.'...,.
Remember my splrltj:-VIId!s
II very much aliv o
e beheld the FatiJIIQ t The angel all r
&a1811td the gat of Pearl. Wlillt~la]IIOiden str
f jasp r. dipped
ecrystalsea.
is beyond words, nothing can compare. mansion. Someday I'll meet you there.
your guide. His Word will show you the way. lease, don't cry! We WILL meet again someday.
-Patsy Deskins