Carolyn Jones Stevenson

On June 14, 1953, God delivered one of His most unique and precious creations into the arms of Annie Cora and Luther Jones. They named their beloved bundle Caroline Jones, though she was most commonly known as ‘Carolyn,’ which appropriately means joy.  Carolyn preceded three brothers in birth and the four siblings were reared in a small community just outside of Arkadelphia, AR.

Carolyn’s parents ensured she was involved in her local church, Piney Grove A.M.E., which was the baseline for the affection she developed to absorb God’s Word and live a life reflective of His love.   In addition to church involvement, Carolyn found herself very active within her school and community.  She took part in a plethora of activities including competing in beauty pageants, which was one of the rare occasions she showcased her lovely singing voice.  Her enthusiasm and passion for education was demonstrated as she graduated at 16 years old from Arkadelphia High School, then enrolled in Henderson State University, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education in 1974, and her Master of Science in Counseling in 1977. 

In 1978 Carolyn enlisted in the Army Reserves and served for 6 years.  It was during this time that she developed a hankering for big city life and relocated from Arkansas to the “City of Angels,” Los Angeles, CA.  While she enjoyed L.A., life presented other opportunities which led to subsequent moves to states including Texas, Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana.  Eventually, she came full circle and relocated back home to Arkadelphia to care for her ailing father. 

Throughout her travels, Carolyn always made it a priority to secure a church home, and found herself under the teachings of many renowned bible teachers.  This further flourished her hunger for the Word of God.  Along with her biblical teachings, Carolyn put her degrees and gift for compassion to excellent use, working professionally as an educator and a counselor for many years.  She had a heart for serving others and spreading Christ’s light, which she gleefully did in her last position as a Direct Service Professional for Group Living.  She also substitute taught, delivered meals weekly to the elderly, and volunteered as a foster grandparent.  She was frequently spotted zooming around town on her way to or from one of the various missions that she held and deeply adored.

Of all of the incredible roles she held in her lifetime, Carolyn made it evident that the most revered and esteemed positions she ever fulfilled was as a mother to her two children, an ambassador for the Kingdom of Heaven, and most recently, as “Gemma” to her 6 month old granddaughter. 

In addition to her two adoring children, Fredrick Stevenson and Tiffany Trueblood, Carolyn is survived by her ”son-in-love,” Gerald Trueblood, apple-of-her-eye granddaughter, Regal, cherished brothers, Michael Jones and David (Judy) Jones, and dear sister -in-law, Linda, along with a wealth of nieces, nephews, and other beloved family and acquaintances. She is preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Donald Jones. 

Carolyn’s favorite pastimes included traveling, spending time with family and loved ones, and contributing her time and talents to be a blessing to anyone she encountered.  Carolyn embodied the fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23), the characteristics a Proverbs 31 woman, and left a legacy of love.  She was one of the most faithful, consistent, one-of-a-kind, selfless souls to ever walk the face of this earth and while she is without a doubt rejoicing in her Heavenly home, her former earthly home is a bit more dim, now absent of the rays of sunshine Carolyn radiated everywhere she went. 

1 Thessalonians 4:13-14: Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him.

Graveside services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 4, 2021, at Piney Grove Cemetery with Rev. Kyle Jones, officiating. The family request that friends and family wear yellow to commemorate her services. Although there will be no public viewing, family and friends may pay their respects by signing the guest book and viewing the Images of Life DVD at the funeral home on Friday, September 3, 2021, from 10 a.m. until 6:00 p.m.