Carolyn Mathis Rehn

She was born in Memphis, Tennessee on September 8, 1961, Carolyn was the beloved daughter of the late Carolyn and Pete Mathis of Cartersville, Georgia and Nashville, Tennessee.

Carolyn was a woman of remarkable intelligence, dedication, and leadership. She received a bachelor’s degree from Trevecca Nazarene University. She spent a distinguished career in banking, ultimately serving as the President of Northside Bank in Cartersville, Georgia, a position she held with pride until her health required her retirement. Her sharp professional acumen was matched only by her vibrant personality. A proud graduate of Greater Atlanta Christian School (GACS) in Norcross, Georgia, Carolyn was a gifted athlete, earning a spot on the varsity basketball squad as a freshman. Showing early signs of the resilience that would define her life, she pushed through numerous athletic injuries that were only decades later understood to be the early indicators of her undiagnosed disease.

Beyond her athletic and professional triumphs, Carolyn was known for her brilliant, keen sense of humor. Her quick wit kept everyone around her laughing, a trait recognized early in life when her senior classmates at GACS voted her "Wittiest Senior." Carolyn was fiercely loyal to her family and profoundly devoted to her beloved canine companions, who brought her immense comfort throughout her journey.

As her progressive illness gradually stripped away her physical independence, including her cherished ability to drive, Carolyn’s true character shone brightest. She remained ever graceful and never complained. Her life was defined not by her physical limitations, but by an unyielding, joyful, and thankful spirit. This profound peace and enduring joy came directly from her deep, personal relationship with Jesus Christ, whose grace sustained her through every trial.

Carolyn is survived by her husband, Phillip Daniel Rehn; her two daughters, Ashton Garnto (Juston) and Whitney Goad; and her five granddaughters, Kendall Baldwin, Heidi Garnto, Kynsley Goad, Ella Goad, and Samara Stroud. She is also survived by her siblings, Martha Baldwin (David) of Brentwood, TN; Elizabeth Mathis of Kennesaw, GA; Dan Mathis (Kay) of Acworth, GA; and David Mathis of Kennesaw, GA; as well as her nieces, Claire Baldwin and Aida Mathis, and her nephew, Ezra Mathis.

The Rehn and Mathis families wish to extend their heartfelt acknowledgment and deepest appreciation to the medical providers who provided not only excellent care but also endless encouragement to Carolyn: Dr. Brandon Taylor of Cartersville, GA; Dr. Vincent Lem of Kansas City, MO; Dr. Mamantha Pasnoor of Kansas City, MO; and Beth Kay from Eternal Faith Hospice in Cartersville, GA. Your compassion was a profound blessing.