Carolyn Eveler Alexander

Carolyn Marie Eveler Alexander, born, January 13, 1949, passed away peacefully in her home on June 2, 2018. Beloved wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, sister, and friend, Carolyn was preceded in death by her husband, Michael Franklin Alexander Senior, and her parents, John Sidney Eveler and Mildred Barry Eveler. Carolyn was born in Washington, D.C., and she was raised in Silver Spring, Maryland. The oldest of her three siblings, she enjoyed an exceptionally close relationship with her parents Sidney and Millie. Younger brothers John and Tom were always at her heels. An active, adventurous child and young woman, Carolyn was an avid swimmer, lifeguard, scuba diver, dancer (ballet and tap), horse enthusiast and rider, pianist, and spelunker. She was also an animal lover, with particular affection for her childhood cat Simba and her family’s Labrador retriever Kelly. She came from a large family and had network of cousins and friends, with whom she was very active. Carolyn met her husband Michael Franklin Alexander in 1972 at a party held by mutual friends. Married on June 22, 1973, in Silver Spring, Maryland, the newlyweds lived for short periods in Annandale and Reston, Virginia, where they had their first child, Sarah Michelle Alexander. In 1976, shortly after Michael Franklin Alexander Junior’s birth, the couple moved to Culpeper, Virginia, to be closer to Michael’s parents Raymond B. Alexander and Alice Irene Smith Alexander. Their first Culpeper home was Catalpa General Store (now Duke’s) in Catalpa. The young family owned the store and lived above it. Moving into the town of Culpeper to a “fixer upper” on East Street in 1982, Carolyn cared for her young children and supported Michael, who often was away from home for work. Carolyn, who was typically joyous and hilarious, threw herself completely into her role as a mother. Kind and compassionate, mom knew exactly what to say to make you feel better about whatever was bothering you. In addition to the kindnesses mom extended to her family, her generosity of spirit was evident in her interactions with family, friends, her children’s friends, coworkers, and neighbors. Throughout the years, she served in several positions that included at C&P Telephone Company, of which she was particularly proud. Mom served for many years as an educational assistant for special education in the Culpeper County Public School System, where she shouldered the sometimes heavy burden of helping children who had learning and personal challenges. Summers were often spent at the Eveler beach house on the Chesapeake Bay in St. Mary’s County, Maryland. The house and beach were mom’s personal haven, and she often spoke the times spent there. As Michael and I got older, she kindly transported various groups of teens and pre-teens to the house, where she entertained and fed the masses. Cats on East Street knew they had a friend in mom. She worried endlessly about the numerous strays in her neighborhood and left out food and water for them daily. Mom also gave a home to quite a few of them. Most recently, her cats Ralph, Sidney, and Millie, have given her relief and comfort. Carolyn lived with her son Michael for the last six years of her life. Vacating the fixer upper on East Street was one of her greatest joys. Living in the new house on Virginia Avenue afforded her the comfort and closets that she always desired (most rooms in the East Street house had no closets), and Michael was so happy to have been able to do so. Michael, a devoted son, has always been dedicated to ensuring that mom had everything that she needed. And most importantly, mom and Michael were buddies. They enjoyed going on rides, watching TV and movies, and dining out together. My boys Alex and Thomas were very special to her. Mom was the kind of person that would get down on their level and play on the floor with them. A dedicated grandmother, she listened to my tales of the boys’ hijinks, applauded their academic achievements, and attended numerous soccer, baseball, and basketball games throughout the years. In this very brief synopsis of my mom, something huge is missing. I wanted to summarize her story, but I am finding that it is impossible to capture the joy and love that simply emanated from my mother. Her quick wit, infectious laugh, and beautiful smile could capture any room that she was in. As a kid, I remember her smiling and singing. She would put on her bandana, ABBA Gold, and clean the house. A night owl, I would sometimes wake up and find her vacuuming at midnight. And, she and my Dad were sometimes a riot together, feeding off each other’s silliness. Her many funny sayings and Carolynisms were endless. Growing up, every night before bed, she would wish me good night. Sometimes, though, when she was tired, she would tell me to “drive carefully” instead, which became a running joke, among many others. As an adult, my mom was there for me for all the important things. She was so supportive of Danny and I, especially following the births of our two boys. I do not know how I would have gotten through such times without her. I found a card that she had saved from me, and one of the things I had written after thanking her was “who else would drop everything for me?” And, it is true. She would drop everything in her own life to help me or talk to me on the phone. And, for Michael, I cannot put into words how her death will affect him. Their relationship was tangible. She had special relationships with Alex and Thomas, too. Raised as a Lutheran, mom’s faith in God was clear and a comfort to her. I know that she will find rest and peace with her family and friends (human and animal) in heaven.