Carolyn Louise Forbus Perry

Carolyn Louise Forbus Perry departed this earthly life on January 10, 2021, at the age of 76. A native of Alexander City and longtime resident of Mobile, she was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother, a graduate of Auburn University and a longtime member of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. A generation of Mobile County residents are better writers and more appreciative of literature thanks to her, as she was a longtime English teacher at Baker High School and Semmes Middle School and was honored as Mobile County’s High School Teacher of the Year in 1992 and 2000. She retired from education in 2002 to devote her attention to her grandchildren, for whom she hung the moon in her role as “MeMe.”

She also gave of her time and talents to her community, volunteering to teach English as a Second Language students through Goodwill Easter Seals after retirement. And she never stopped learning, taking advantage of Adult Education courses at the University of South Alabama to broaden her already wide scope of knowledge. She was involved with the City of Mobile Swim Association through two generations -- first as a parent, and again as a grandparent. She had a talent for interior decorating, kept an immaculate house and was generous to a fault. She had in recent years rekindled her love of playing the trumpet, particularly her spirited rendition of the Auburn fight song. Her family beach trips were legendary and her front yard was a favorite socializing spot for many of the residents of Springhill Manor, where her neighbors made her feel welcomed and happy over the last four years.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Florence and Ezell Forbus, and by her beloved husband of 50 years, Steve Perry. She is survived by her daughter, Leigh Donnelly Perry-Herndon (Mike) of Mobile; son Ryan Franklin Perry (Michelle) of Allen, Texas; adored grandchildren Caroline and Sallie Herndon of Mobile and Tate and Charlotte Perry of Allen, Texas; brother Frank Forbus (Raphelia) of Dadeville; brother-in-law Joe Perry (Suzanne) of Auburn; best friends Grace and Jack Oulton of Baton Rouge, La.; nieces Brandi Easterwood (Rickey) of Alexander City, Krista Forbus of Birmingham, and Kimberly Murphy of Plano, Texas; nephew Kevin Perry (Melissa) of Auburn; three grandnephews and two grandnieces.

Due to COVID-19, the family will hold a service at a later date, including a celebration of her life. The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made in her honor to Jubilee BEST Robotics, 2855 Post Oak Circle, Mobile AL 36695.