Carolyn Wood Gewin
Carolyn (Khaki) Wood Gewin gazed upon the face of Jesus, her Lord and Savior, on May 14, 2023, for the first time. She sang of this glorious day her entire life and we are thankful for this blessed assurance. Carolyn was born to her loving and godly parents, Claudie Lee and Cleo Grantham Wood, on January 27, 1943 in Natchitoches, Louisiana. Her childhood was grounded in the red dirt of Red River Parish where her parents instilled in her a strong work ethic, a deep devotion to family and community, and above all a great love of Christ. She surpassed those expectations for 80 years with tremendous love and always a great deal of fun and laughter. As the baby of the family, she was loved by her siblings and adored by her nieces and nephews. She was the spark in all the fun on the farm and beyond. She was a memory-maker for so many.
Carolyn married Clarence N. Gewin on August 7, 1971 and loved him and his sons, Nathan and Scott Gewin, as her own. She and Clarence were blessed with their devoted daughter, Amy Elizabeth, in 1973. Back in the Big Woods beyond Pleasant Hill, the Gewin Farm has been the most wonderful place for family gatherings, Saturday night singings, and church events. Carolyn was the organizer and executive director of all the joy and celebrations spent on these acres. As her mother before her, Carolyn loved her family and was devoted to their lives. Whether waiting on those working in the hay fields or playing on the beach, she always had prepared just the right things and was ready to serve her family. Her children and grandchildren rise up and call her blessed. Our lives are beautiful because we were greatly loved. We are thankful for her prayers, her great love for us, and her salsa recipe.
Carolyn also deeply loved her church family at Progress Cumberland Presbyterian Church. From the annual homecoming to singing school to Sunday school, she was a force of consistency and love. Additionally, “Mrs. Gewin” as she was known throughout the community was the much beloved fifth grade teacher at Pleasant Hill High School for 33 years. Her firm, yet exuberant style, created a wonderful and motivating classroom for all children. In their later years, Carolyn and Clarence spread their love for people through their RV travels across the USA. Wherever they went, friendships developed. We are thankful to all of you for reaching out to us in this time of loss.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Claudie Lee and Cleo Grantham Wood, her in-laws, M. B. “Perk” and Bonnie Gewin, her siblings, Doris Lee Stevens and husband Roland, Elinor Roddy and husband Tommy, Lurline Dykes and husband Jack, Charles “Bub” Wood and wife Jean, Edwin Ray Wood and Francis Kay Wood. Carolyn is survived by her husband of 52 years, Clarence N. Gewin of Pleasant Hill, sons and their wives Nathan and Elsy Gewin of Houston, Texas, Scott and Candy Gewin of New Iberia, Louisiana, and daughter and her husband Amy and Jay St. Romain of Mandeville, Louisiana. Also mourning are her grandchildren Caroline and Joseph St. Romain, Ben and Matthew Gewin and Mariah, Scott and Aiden Gewin. She leaves one great grandchild, Cooper Gewin. She is also survived by her sister, Marcia Mitchell and husband Roy of Shreveport, Louisiana.
Visitation will be held at Progress Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Pleasant Hill on Friday, May 19 at 10:00 A. M. Services will be held at 2:00 P. M. with Bro. Jerry Lawson and Bro. Drake Barnhill officiating. Graveside service will follow at the Progress Cumberland Cemetery. Pallbearers are Ben Gewin, Matthew Gewin, Aiden Gewin, Charles “Buddy” Wood, Jay St. Romain, Marc Gewin, Tom Reavis and Mark Wells. Honorary pallbearers are Paul Gewin, Dale Skinner and Hugh H. Hardee.
In honor of our beloved Carolyn, the family requests that in lieu of flower, please donate in her honor to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105 or Shriners Children’s Hospital 3100 Samford Ave. Shreveport, LA 71103.
Over the last few years of her life, she has brought her sunshine to the people at Forest Manor Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Covington, Louisiana. The family is particularly thankful to all the staff for their care and devotion to Carolyn. Her race is run. She has fought the good fight. She rests with Christ, her beloved Lord, friend, and great Redeemer.
