Carolyn F. Studdard

Carolyn F. Studdard, 76, of Sullivan passed away peacefully at her home, surrounded by her family, on Wednesday, July 14, 2021.

Carolyn Fay Studdard was born on May 20, 1945 in Shirley to George and Roberta (Kramer) Timmermann. Carolyn grew up in a farmhouse on Jewel’s Branch Creek in Washington County. Her childhood was full of farm life and spending time with her cousins. She loved wandering the hills, getting the first ripe tomato from the garden, walking to Baker School with her siblings, and playing in the creek.

On July 6, 1967, she was united in marriage to Charles J. Studdard in a small ceremony at her parent’s farmhouse. They enjoyed 54 years together, were best friends, true partners in marriage, and devoted to each other, their children and grandchildren.

Carolyn liked doing things the country way. She preferred clothes washed and hung out to dry on the line, and windows open for the breeze. She liked working in the garden and growing vegetables. She made the most delicious cakes and pies and enjoyed picking plums and blackberries and making jelly. She was an amazing seamstress and sewed many outfits for her sisters, cousins, and children. She loved taking care of her pets: dogs, cats, goats, chickens, and ducks.

Carolyn loved children and dedicated her life to teaching. She taught kindergarten, first, and second grades at Sullivan Elementary for 33 years. She saw each of her students as an individual and had an amazing ability to give each student what they needed in order to learn and grow. These skills were also evident in all her interactions with her own children and grandchildren.

She had a special way of bringing calm to chaotic situations. When all the grandkids would start getting rowdy, she would soon have them all quieted down with a bowl of mini marshmallows. Her grandchildren will remember that they might have been faster than Grandma, but she had special ninja skills that allowed her to beat them at kick-the-can, hide-and-seek, and chase. She loved drawing with her grandkids and taught them to be curious about the world. It wasn’t unusual to find her and the grandkids on their hands and knees in the yard getting a close look at a flower or bug. Grandma’s house was a place where you could truly be a kid.

Carolyn is survived by her husband, Charles Studdard of Sullivan; five children, Benjamin Studdard and wife Kristina, Christie Halmick and husband Jamie, Wesley Studdard and wife Wendy, Susanne Harmon and husband Jason, and Brian Studdard and wife Amanda, all of Sullivan; thirteen grandchildren, Aaron, Loren, Adia, Chloe, Grant, Ian, Nolan, Jenna, Morgan, Rosie, Zelda, Bruce, and Clara; a brother, George Timmermann and wife Sherri of High Ridge; two sisters, Patricia Powell of Maryland Heights, and Beverly McKlendin and husband Mark of Collinsville, OK; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, George and Roberta Timmermann; an infant sister, Priscilla; parents-in-law, Charles and Rosanna Marie Studdard; brother-in-law, Ted Powell; sister-in-law, Judy Studdard; and a nephew, Paul Powell.

Visitation was held from 4 to 8 P.M., Monday, July 20th at the Eaton Funeral Home in Sullivan.

Funeral services were held at 11 A.M., Tuesday, July 21st at the Eaton Funeral Home in Sullivan with Pastor Matt Woods officiating. Interment followed in Bourbon Cemetery.

All arrangements were under the care of the Eaton Funeral Home and Cremation Center of Sullivan.