On Monday, June 8, 2020, moments after midnight, beloved family matriarch Carolyn Golson Braswell of Hall Summit, Louisiana passed away from complications due to dementia. A mother of three, grandmother of two, and great-grandmother of four, Carolyn was 87 years old. 

Carolyn was born September 26, 1932 in Hall Summit, Louisiana to Oscar Golson and Jewel Thornton Golson. She married Bobby Braswell on February 25, 1951. They had three children, daughter Rene’, who died as a child, daughter Rachel, and son Cody. 

Carolyn was an entrepreneur, a cancer survivor, and a caregiver to her elders. She was a fiercely devoted wife and mother who also drove fast, shot straight, and made her presence known. She was an avid reader and diarist and a fervent student of scripture and music. She observed the world with care and curiosity and made her notes in the margins. 

Carolyn was a celebrated baker and cook whose special recipes have become coveted family heirlooms. She never forgot a birthday. She always sent a “Thank You” note. She looked after anyone who ever shared a roof with her and kept an immaculate home. No one that she loved ever doubted it for a second. Carolyn was preceded in death by Bobby Braswell, her beloved husband of 45 years; daughter Rene’ Braswell; infant sister Maude; sisters Faye Woods and Beth Waters, and brothers Arleigh and Noble Golson. 

She is survived by daughter Rachel (Ted) Hayes, son Cody (Wayne Self) Braswell, grandson Dustin (Marsha) Hayes, granddaughter Jenna (Colby) Rushing, and great grandchildren Braydon Hayes, Cooper Hayes, Chance Rushing, and Summer Lyn Rushing. 

Visitation will be held on Thursday, June 11, 9:30-10:30am at Rockett-Nettles Funeral Home in Coushatta, Louisiana. A graveside service will be held thereafter, at 11:00 am, at Social Springs Cemetery in Ringgold, Louisiana. Officiating will be Rev. Billy Lee Davis. Pallbearers will be Cody Braswell, Dustin Hayes, Ted Hayes, Harry Lawson, and Colby Rushing. 

The family would like to thank Nickolia Jones, the staff at Christus Coushatta and the staff at Green Meadow Haven for their loving assistance during Carolyn’s final months. 

In lieu of flowers, please donate to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.