Carolyn Ann Shepard Purser

Aug. 16, 1939 - May 14, 2016

Carolyn Ann Purser, age 76, of Vestavia, Hills, AL passed away May 14, 2016. She was a loving mother, grandmother, and friend to many.

Carolyn attended West End High School. She had a passion for Alabama Crimson Tide Football, and loved to cook, vacation at the beach, listen to music, and care for animals. She left an impression on everyone she met and never met a stranger.

Carolyn had a wonderful sense of humor and always sacrificed her needs for the good of her family and friends. She possessed a strong mind and memory, was a wonderful woman of faith, and lived by the Golden Rule and instilled its daily practice in all of her children. She will be remembered as a selfless woman who always smiled, even when times were tough.

Carolyn was predeceased by her parents, E. Claire and Harry Lee Shepard; two sisters, Nancy Shepard and Jean Gibson; one grandson, Jeremy Syphurs; and one daughter-in-law, Lynn Purser. Survivors include Carolyn's daughter, Nancy Purser; three sons, David Syphurs, Mike Purser, and Mark Purser; and three grandchildren, Shannon Syphurs, Michael Purser, and Meagan Purser.

Visitation will be 6-8 p.m. on Tuesday, May 17, 2016 at Ridout's Southern Heritage Funeral Home in Pelham, AL. The Celebration of Carolyn's Life will be at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, May 18, 2016 at Ridout's Southern Heritage Chapel, Pelham, followed by burial at Southern Heritage Cemetery, Pelham.

Memorial gifts may be made to the Greater Birmingham Humane Society, www.gbhs.org.