Carolyn W. Shoup

One of five children, Carolyn was born in Beaver County, Pennsylvania on April 7, 1927, to George and Myrtle Walker. The family moved soon after to Poland, Ohio where she grew up. Carolyn showed her talent for art at an early age. She was a keen observer of the vibrancy of life, the family garden or the blue bells of the Poland Woods. She lived her life as if she were painting a work of art.

Carolyn graduated from Chatham College with a degree in psychology. She was a longtime mainstay with United Cerebral Palsy in Pittsburgh and Florida. Her compassion for others combined with her gifts for art and teaching were deeply appreciated by all.

She was active with her church in Pittsburgh and later in Largo and led the United Methodist Women. She taught Sunday school, did the decorations for the Mother & Daughter luncheons, and gave her speech “Flowers of the Bible” dozens of times. A Girl Scouts troop leader in Pittsburgh, she volunteered for “Meals on Wheels” in Largo for years.

Carolyn experienced life to the fullest. She loved to travel. One of her most memorable trips from the 22 countries she visited were Israel and Egypt. She belonged to a group of artists and they traveled the world bringing back memories along with her paintings.

With an artist’s eye she noticed and valued the little things in life.

A great listener and hostess, long-time friends and new acquaintances one and all, felt the love and acceptance she radiated. She was a joy to be with.

Carolyn is survived by her children Jack, Janie and Tom; her grandchildren Sarah, John, Tommy, Sam, Lauren and Luz, and her best friend and life companion, Dolph Cone. She loved her children’s spouses and partners, Kathy, Ali, Steven, and Diane. She is survived by sister Myrtie and brother Johnny. She is preceded in death by her husband Jack, daughter Sally and brothers George and Frank.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, April 8th at 2:30 pm, Anona United Methodist Chapel. The family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Humane Society of Tampa Bay: humanesocietytampa.org. Serenity Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.