Beloved wife of the late Samuel Colburn for 67 years. Loving mother of Steven Colburn, David (Crystal) Colburn, Gary (Cindy) Colburn, Sheri Adkins and the late Kenneth Colburn (surviving Colleen). Dear grandmother of Sam Colburn II, Steven Colburn, Cameron Smith, Brett (Jennifer) Colburn, Derek Adkins, Allison Colburn, and Clara Adkins. Great-grandmother of Josie Ruth Colburn and Bennett James Colburn. Cherished sister of the late Judith (late Jack) Tipton. Also survived by numerous adoring nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Carolyn was born to Clarence and Ruth (nee Gaines) Kunz in St. Louis, Missouri on August 6, 1939. She met the love of her life on a blind date, and, after graduating near the top of her class in 1957, they married on August 2, 1958. Shortly thereafter, she became an Army wife, as Dad was drafted and sent to Huntsville, AL. After a brief stint in Houston, TX, they settled in Tuscola, IL. While Dad worked as a chemical engineer, Mom devoted herself to raising their five children. In 1977, the family moved to Liberty Township, where Carolyn resided at the same address for nearly 50 years.

Carolyn’s devotion to her Savior was evident in all that she did. The family joined Bethany Baptist Church in 1977, where she served in various capacities, namely church treasurer and teacher / director of Bethany Christian Nursery School. Countless children were taught about Jesus’ love for us through her ministry at BCNS. Some of her very best friends started as co-workers there, and have continued their friendship to this day.

Kind. Generous. Humble. Caring. Patient. Strong. Brilliant. Fierce. Gentle. Gracious. Selfless. Possessing any one of these characteristics is admirable. Having ALL of these traits is extraordinary. That was Carolyn. Whether being the biggest cheerleader at her kids’ and grandkids’ events, caring for friends and loved ones, volunteering as church treasurer for over 40 years, or teaching and directing Bethany Christian Nursery School, greeting hundreds of children by name and lifting them out of the car each day over her 39 year career, she did it with love in her heart, a smile on her face and a sparkle in her beautiful blue eyes. In all that she did, Carolyn held Jesus in her heart and spread that to all she knew.

Passed away Thursday, October 1, 2026. Visitation will be held at Bethany Baptist Church, 6049 Yankee Rd., Liberty Twp., OH 45044, on Saturday, October 10, 2026, from 10 AM until time of Funeral Service at 12 Noon.