Carolyn Yvonne Hill Larkin

Published 5:00 am Thursday, October 9, 2014

    Services for Carolyn Yvonne Hill Larkin will be held Saturday, Oct. 11, 2014, at 11 a.m., at New Hope Baptist Church with the Rev. Reginald Garrett officiating. Burial will be in Sunset Cemetery with Berry and Gardner Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

    Carolyn was born March 15, 1954, to proud parents Mr. & Mrs. Robert and Lauretta (Ladner) Hill in Mobile, Ala.

    Carolyn attended George Hall Elementary School. Her secondary studies were completed at Williamson High School in Mobile, Ala.

    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 pledged to a life of service and became a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. She graduated with Honors from Jackson State in May of 1976 having earned a Bachelors of Science Degree in Elementary and Special Education.

    She moved to Meridian, Miss. and became a Special Education Teacher. In keeping with the Baptist Covenant, Carolyn united with the New Hope Baptist Church congregation and became a Sunday School Teacher. In addition, she joined the Sanctuary and Inspirational Choir and taught Vacation Bible School. Carolyn will long be remembered for her vocal talents. She loved to sing and was present in the choir loft every Sunday.

    On Sunday, Oct. 5, 2014, Carolyn moved from Earth to Glory at the University of Alabama Hospital in Birmingham, Ala.

    She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Lauretta Hill, and sisters, Paul Reed and Barbara Mesfin. Carolyn was a strong, Christian, nurturing, kind and compassionate person. She loved Peace. Her legacy of love and Christian work and Faith will be deeply missed by all who knew her. She will continue to live on in the hearts and spirits of her husband of 32 years, Dennis Larkin of Meridian, Miss.; children, Keisha (Rev. Reginald) Garrett of Ridgeland, Miss., and Dennis Larkin of Meridian; grandchildren: Amad, Layla, and Victoria Garrett of Ridgeland; mother-in-law, Johnnie Larkin of Meridian; brothers: Dr. Robert Hill, Dr. Clarence (Doris) Hill of Columbia, S.C., and Sherman (Beryl) of Dothan, Ala.; sisters, Margaret Griggs of Houston, Texas, and Sandra (Carter) of Gary, Ind.; sister-in-love, Judy Jaynes of Pass Christian, Miss.; sister-in-law, Sondra (Shaun) Lewis of New Orleans, La.; brothers-in-law, Robert Larkin of St. Louis, Mo., Arthur (Stephanie) Larkin of Meridian; Aunt, Margaret Richardson of Dayton, Ohio; lifelong friend, Yvonne Reed Matthews of Mobile, Ala.; Prayer Partners: Barbara Lynch, Annie Hudson, and Eva Jones of Meridian; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, neighbors, and friends.

    Visitation will be Friday, Oct. 10, 2014, from 6 p.m. – 7 p.m., in the Chapel of Berry and Gardner Funeral Home and one hour prior to service at the church.