Carolyn Futch Naylor

Carolyn Futch Naylor, a woman of remarkable grace and unwavering spirit, passed away peacefully on Friday March 28, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of love and cherished memories. Born on July 12, 1927, in Charlotte, North Carolina, she was the beloved daughter of Archer Hamner Futch and Emma Covington Futch.

Carolyn's journey began in Charlotte, where she graduated from Central High School in 1945. Her passion for education led her to Queens College, where she earned her degree in Elementary Education in 1949. During her college years, she formed lifelong bonds as a member of the Alpha Gamma Delta Sorority and proudly joined the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR).

Her dedication to nurturing young minds shone brightly as she taught first and second grade in Charlotte, Winston-Salem, and Jacksonville, leaving an indelible mark on her students.

On March 1, 1952, Carolyn married her devoted husband, Eugene Paul Naylor. Their 29-year marriage was a testament to love and partnership, ending with Eugene's passing on August 2, 1981. A lover of nature, Carolyn found solace and joy in tending to her yard. Her faith was a cornerstone of her life, as she was a charter member of Kingswood United Methodist Church in Dunwoody, Georgia.

Carolyn embraced life with a sense of adventure, exploring the world with her friends and family, creating a tapestry of unforgettable experiences. She found joy and fulfillment in serving her community, volunteering her time at Shallowford Hospital. She also found her later professional life equally fulfilling, spending 19 years at Rich's Department Store and 6 years at The Toy School, a children's toy and book store.

She enjoyed camaraderie during her ten years in a vibrant 55 and older community in Jacksonville, where she cultivated many dear friendships. In 2016, she moved to Tallahassee to be closer to her daughter and son-in-law.

Carolyn was preceded in death by her husband Eugene, parents and her brothers, William "Bill" Stewart Futch Sr. (Richmond, VA) and Archer H. Futch (Livermore, CA).

She is survived by her loving family: son David Naylor and his partner Nancy Thomas, daughter Carol Naylor Perkins and her husband Walter Perkins, and son Joseph Naylor and his wife Bethany Diamond Naylor.

She leaves behind her cherished grandchildren: Lisa Naylor, Abby Pichard (Will Pichard), Brandon Perkins (Lauren Perkins), and Jeremy Naylor (Kelsi Naylor). She was also the proud matriarch to eight great grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren.

A graveside service for Carolyn will be held Saturday, April 5, 2025 at 3:00 PM at Arlington Memorial Park, 201 Mount Vernon Hwy, Sandy Springs, GA 30328.

In lieu of flowers a donation may be made to Big Bend Hospice at: https://bigbendhospice.charityproud.org/Donate or for mailed check donations: Big Bend Hospice Foundation, 1723 Mahan Center Blvd. Tallahassee, FL 32308.