I'm so sorry to hear of Carolyn's passing. She friended me on FB, knowing that I come from the Toatley lineage. She was always so patient, kind, and encouraging; I'm so heartbroken to know she has left us. My sincere condolences go out to all of you who feel the pain of her absence.  💔 
With heartfelt empathy, 
Carla Toatley/Sutton

Hi Mom,

It's been over a year since you left us. As you see, we're all moving forward but it's not the same without you here.  I can feel your presence in my home every day. Without you, I wouldn't have my home. Without you, I wouldn't be able to leave behind a legacy for your grandchildren.

Zariah and Zaria are walking now! Their favorite show is "Word Party"! They watch it every day! Ashton is doing well too! The boy has a mustache now! He swears he's a ladies' man! We all hope to continue to make you proud.

About me... well there's a lady that's been in my life for a while now. Her name is Tia. I told you about her during a couple of my visits back home. We've had our struggles long distance and all. We've had good and bad times. She's in my heart. I am pretty convinced she's the one. I know you didn't get a chance to meet her due to your condition. She mentioned previously she wished she had a chance to meet you before your passing. I'm "scared" of the way she thinks at times to be honest, but I really want to try to see if we're able to be together. I may have my home and a good career, but I don't want to be alone forever. Maybe you can guide me along the way like you've normally done. You've always known who was best for me based upon a mother's intuition.

I forever miss you Mom!  Until we see each other again...

Love... From your oldest son,

Quentin

I’m so sorry to learn of Carolyn’s passing.  

It will always be us, my Ship. Rolling down the road, doing what we do, pushing the proverbial envelope, keeping it going, being sisters, being here, being there, living with what's been given......................Doing us. 
Love you and then loving you more, embracing the us of our friendship and longevity of spirit. 
Gonna go sit on the deck in your Zen spot and remember, our chats, your laugh (unmistakeable), your support. Will always have your back. 


Carolyn moved through life like she truly understood it's brevity.   She packed a lot of living in her 62 years which is reflected in the pictures shared by her family and friends.  We were blessed with her presence, her spirit and her smile.  

Now we see but a dim reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love; but the greatest of these is love. 1 Corinthians 13:12, 13

Be comforted in the spirit of love.

Brenda, Soror and Friend

Carolyn smiled all the time because she was always happy. She would respond to all my FB posting because she was grateful for family connections. ....
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus,  I know you don't make mistakes so I pray you keep our family strong as we accept your will. RIP Cuz, and I believe you are happier than those you leave behind. Loretta Bournes White/ California

Rest in Heaven Girl Scout and friend.  I will look for your smile in my flowers that we shared pictures every year. Love you sista. 🌹

Cousin Carolyn it is not going to be a day that I don’t think about your sweet smile  and spirit you will forever be my heart ❤️ love you gone but never forgotten 

Remembering when you would sign you communications with the following…

Carolyn 
"Live and savor every moment... This is not a dress rehearsal!"

I want to thank you for the friendship  and sisterhood. 

Go in Power Carolyn Joyce Bourne Toatley Guy.


Alaina,

Thank you for your friendship and introducing me to your mother. You home was the few homes my mother would allow me to visit when I was younger and your mother always provided us with a snacks, movies, meals, and comfort. She was mother figure and great example to everyone who walked in that door. We love you… Thank you for your impact.

Stay strong Alaina!!! 

Carolyn, my Maxey Ct/ Virgo sister your beautiful smile and beautiful spirit will be missed...Love You

Carolyn has been someone in my life for almost decade. Even though we didn't talk as often as we should have, when we did she always had words of wisdom for me. Pushing me to to go back to school, advancements at my job, to just my daily outlook on things. I will forever cherish the wisdom she shared with me.

My Ship, my sister for life. I'm still in shock and awe of your passing. We were just discussing and planning  with our line sisters about having a sleep over that we were going to host in  downtown  Chicago.   As we were sharing birthday greetings to you, you were more focused on how we were going to get together this summer.   This was so like you to take charge with great ideas and positive thoughts,  and that's how you lived your life. You showed us weekly and daily how much you loved your family and loved life. I'm going to miss your beautiful smile and spirit that exuded even through our written and verbal communications.  Fly high my Shipee,  forever in my heart.  May you Rest in Heavenly Peace.

Carolyn,  my Sigma Gamma Rho Personal.  You have left me too soon, but God knew best. I  will miss your smile, your happy upbeat voice,  our talks about  gardening and your "anything is possible attitude "
Rest Easy Sis, you are so loved!
Catherine (Cathy) Collier 

Carolyn, Virgo sister as she would say, you will be missed. Thanks for considering me a friend. Althea -Maxey Court Family❤️

My Mother ❤️ w/ Auntie Donna, and Uncle Flynn at my Grandfather burial plot....

My Mother 💙💛 loved her Sigma Gamma Rho!!!!

S.S. Midnight Madness
Chapter: Nu Psi, Spring '77
Southern Illinois University - Carbondale

💙💛💙💛💙💛💙💛💙💛💙💛💙💛💙💛💙💛💙💛💙💙💛💙💛💙💛💙💛💙💛💙💛💙💛💙💛💙💛💙💛💙💛💙💛

45 Hearts for 45 years!!!!


My Mother ❤️, Briana, and me. This is the very last picture we took with Mom together. 

💙🤍
💙💛
🤎💛


My Mother and my Auntie Donna at Alaina's college graduation in Poughkeepsie, NY.

My Mother 💙💛 loved her Sigma Gamma Rho!!!!

S.S. Midnight Madness
#2 Virginia Wolf
Chapter: Nu Psi, Spring '77
Southern Illinois University - Carbondale

💙💛💙💛💙💛💙💛💙💛💙💛💙💛💙💛💙💛💙💛💙💙💛💙💛💙💛💙💛💙💛💙💛💙💛💙💛💙💛💙💛💙💛💙💛

45 Hearts for 45 years!!!!


My Mother ❤️ w/ the beautiful smile! Bags packed and always ready to travel! Where you going this time Mom?! ❤️🙂

We know wherever you're traveling too now youre smiling at all of us!


My Mother ❤️, Brandon, Briana, Alaina, and me!

My Mother ❤️, Grandson Ashton, and I.

Love you both dearly!

My Mother ❤️, Alaina and I attending Briana's 8th grade graduation.

My Mother ❤️ and childhood best friend Nasim Azari

My Mother ❤️ and Ted traveling on I-57, Marion, IL stopping through to see their Grandson Ashton and his older brother Keaton Reilly.

My Mother ❤️ and Ted!

Happy Halloween!!!


My Mother ❤️ and her Sorority Sisters from Sigma Gamma Rho 💙💛

That smile!!!!!!
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

R.I.H.


My Mother ❤️ and her best friend / Sorority Sister Maxine 💙💛

My Mom w/ my Auntie Donna, Uncle Flynn, and Cousins!

My Mother attending my Master's Degree Graduation at Webster University, St. Louis, MO w/family.

My Mother... In the center of our world. Right where she is supposed to be! You did your best to raise four children... We will always appreciate everything you did for us.

R.I.H. Mom... We Love You... We wWll Miss You Always! 💔😔😢


November 6, 2021
Wedding of Donna & Kent Harlan 

Matron of Honor

Donna & Kent Harlan Wedding 
November 6, 2021
Matron of Honor

Carolyn helping her sister, Donna with her jewelry 

Nov 6, 2021 
Donna & Kent Harlan Wedding 

Bowling Event 2021
- caught a few of us off guard. Lol!!!


Kent Harlan, Jacqueline Montgomery 
Carol “Niecy” Washington, Kim Watts
Karolyn Arline, Sheila Johnson 
Karla Murphy, Carolyn Guy
Elizabeth Bourne, Donna Harlan 


Bowling Event 2021
Kent Harlan, Jacqueline Montgomery 
Carol “Niecy” Washington, Kim Watts
Karolyn Arline, Sheila Johnson 
Karla Murphy, Carolyn Guy
Elizabeth Bourne, Donna Harlan 



Carolyn and Ted 
- wedding 
Alaina, Theodore lll

Rachel, Robianne, Donna, Marlena, Charon, Justina, Carolyn, Faye

Carolyn (Cajoiski)…. My one and only sister.
Loving you always.   
Donna (CaDonna)

Sending my heartfelt love & sympathy to Carolyn’s family!  She was a beautiful person inside & out.  Family was so important to her & the grandbabies were her pride & joy.   Hold on to the love & memories you shared.  Continue to ask God for strength in the days ahead.  Much love ♥️
Sandra Brown 
Albany, GA

I wanted to visit to cook you another meal and was praying you would be healed, but God had another plan. Rest in peace, love cousin. Toby

We are praying for the family.  May God give you the strength to endure in this difficult time.  
Nelson and Cecilia Alexander 

Carolyn and I attended Mt Sinai Baptist Church and at their  Annual Women Retreats we were often roommates.  Carolyn was my Prayer Partner I prayed with her though some very tough times. When I  needed her Prayers and support during the loss of my only Son,  she was right there for me. I will miss her dearly….To Carolyns Dear Family,  with the help of God you will get through this as He gives  you all  His Strength  and Comfort. ❤️ Barbara Hopkins 

Carolyn was a great neighbor and will greatly be missed by us and the Southridge  cul de-sac.



We as first cousins has always supported each other.   We now have a link in our chain missing.  Carolyn, you will forever be our missing link, gone but never forgotten.

-Carol Baker

So sorry to hear this!  Carolyn, always a bright light,  will be missed by the Extension Master Gardeners.  

Carolyn  was a sweet loving person. I didn’t know her all my life, but when I first met her, it didn’t take long to love her like I did.

A life well lived, so full of adventure. Thanks for the Southridge walks & ladies lunch. Our many excursions to events for fun and learning were priceless as were the gardening tips. You have made quite a mark in many lives. Rest my sister in Christ❣️



I will miss your can do attitude nothing was impossible for you💙💙💙Ship S.S. Midnight Madness ! God continue to bless her family watch over her children and grand kids this Angel is gone too soon! Love you Ship💙💙💙💙💙Judy

Oh my goodness! I never met this woman but she befriended me on Facebook somehow and we grew to love each other through our love for flowers and gardening. She and I would share our knowledge or different plants and encourage one another in our efforts. My heart is broken about this! She was a beautiful sweet spirit that I felt love for even though we never met and I live in Pensacola Fl. and she lived in Illinois. What a testimony of her beautiful spirit. Rest In Peace my friend. 💕💕💕🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽

You were such a jewel when we met as cousin at the family reunion. You extended a visit to your home  down south! You beautiful smile will stay embedded forever . Gonna miss you! 

So sorry for the loss of Carolyn.  We grew up together in Robbins. Know that I am praying for your family during this time .

To all Family-
My heart is filled with deep sorrow for each and every family member and friend of Carolyn. Although I didn't know her especially well, I feel as though I did from the memories shared with me by those who loved her (specifically Jo'Anna and April). All of you are in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless. 
Rest in Peace Carolyn. 

It is my heart felt pleasure to have known Carolyn over many years.  This past summer she gave me lots of hostas and flowers from her beautiful yard that I pray will come back next year.  Glad I could be of comfort and service in her last days.  Genia Brisco

To the family.  Earth has no sorrow that heaven  cannot heal.  My deepest condolences .

Donna Dallas, Deputy Clerk,
Village of Gurnee

Carolyn was one of the most compassionate, kind and genuine people I've ever known. I called her friend. She and I shared a lot of thoughts, tears and laughter. To know Carolyn is to know true friendship.  I will forever miss our phone conversations, visits, and advice for one another.

OBITUARY

Carolyn Joyce Toatley-Guy

16 September, 1959 – 29 December, 2021

Marsh Funeral Home

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