Carolyn Hamlin Obenauf

Carolyn Hamlin Obenauf, 89, passed away on Thursday, January 12, 2012. A celebration of her life will be held Tuesday, January 16, 2012 at 10A.M. at Lizella United Methodist Church. Burial will be at Macon Memorial Park Cemetery with the Reverend Loren Smith officiating. The family will greet friends on Monday, January 16, 2012 from 5:30 to 7:30 P.M. at Macon Memorial Park Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to Lizella United Methodist Church at P.O. Box 950, Lizella, GA 31052.

Mrs. Obenauf was born September 26, 1922 to Henry Lee and Carrie Parks Hamlin and has lived in Lizella for most of her life. She is preceded in death by her husband of 42 years, Russell W. Obenauf, and a son, Wayne Obenauf.

Mrs. Obenauf served her community in many capacities, including serving as President of the following groups: Lizella Demonstration Club, Bibb County Homemakers Council, Georgia Kraftsman Auxiliary, 6th District Rural Letter Carriers, Georgia Rural Letter Retired Carriers, Lizella Garden Club, Weeds and Seeds Garden Club, and Redding School P.T.A. For several years, she operated a kindergarten class at her home. She also served as a Cub Scout leader and a 4-H Club leader with all four of her sons becoming Master 4-H'ers.

She was an active member at Lizella United Methodist Church. Church activities included serving as Sunday School teacher, Leader of Methodist Youth Fellowship, Worship Committee Chairman, Lay Leader to South Georgia United Methodist Conference, and Chairman of the Centennial Celebration. Projects championed by and seen to completion included installation of stained glass windows in the church sanctuary, purchase of a van and church bus, paving the parking lot, and organizing travel tours for senior citizens.

Twice, Mrs. Obenauf served as a U.S. Census taker, as Crew Leader and also as a State Agricultural Census Recorder.

In her spare time, Mrs. Obenauf wrote columns for the Lizella United Methodist Bulletin entitled "The Lizella Lantern," for the Macon Herald called "Lines from Lizella, "Auxiliary Augmentations" for the Georgia Kraftsman's paper, and "Carolyn's Corner" in the Rural Carrier's Bulletin. She was an occasional contributor about 4-H and Garden Club News to the Macon Telegraph and News. In addition to her writings, she also recorded local radio spots about short facts about the local 4-H Clubs which aired on 940 WMAZ during the annual 4-H Club weeks.

Mrs. Obenauf enjoyed crafts of all kinds throughout her life and her oil paintings are displayed in homes across the country. She also entered a cooking contest sponsored by Georgia Power where her "Heavenly" Hawaiian Chicken won first prize in the district and late won 2nd prize in the statewide contest held in Thomasville, Georgia.

She is survived by her children, Gary Lee (Carol) of Fresno, CA, Kenneth S. (Nancy) Obenauf of Raleigh, NC, Glynn E. (Lori) Obenauf of Lizella, GA; daughter-in-law, Jean Obenauf of Pell City, AL; ten grandchildren and six great grandchildren.

Visit www.maconmp.com to express condolences.

Macon Memorial Park Funeral Home and Cemetery has charge of the arrangements.