Carolyn Utsey

Carolyn Joy (Prados) Utsey, 88, a lifelong resident of Mobile, died November 10, 2026, at home, surrounded by her devoted family. Carolyn was preceded in death by her husband of 50 years, Joseph Moore Utsey, who passed away in 2008.

Carolyn was born August 14, 1938. She graduated from Murphy High School and went to work for Rhodes Furniture, where she became wonderful friends with a couple that would later become her sister- and brother-in-law, Vera and Tom Robertson. Vera and Tom introduced her to Joe, whom she would marry in 1958. It wasn’t long before Carolyn and Joe would begin to build their family.

Early in her family’s life, Carolyn was actively involved in their parish – Holy Family Catholic Church – serving on the Parish Council, School Board, and as a chaperone for the parish Catholic Youth Organization. Carolyn worked for Stauffer Chemical Company for 18 years before going to work in the travel industry, igniting in her a love of travel that she shared with family and friends. She and Joe enjoyed many wonderful trips together, including to the Greek Isles, Italy, Costa Rica, Germany, the southern Caribbean, Jackson Hole, Wyoming, and her favorite city in the world – New York City. Drawn there by her love of the arts, museums, Broadway theater, and fine dining, Carolyn especially loved that each of her six children accompanied her on at least one occasion to NYC. Carolyn spent most of her travel career with Springdale Travel.

Although Carolyn worked less and less after Joe passed, her life never slowed down. She loved Mobile almost as much as she loved her family, so it was fitting that she would be a member of the inaugural class of the Visit Mobile Ambassador Program. She continued to volunteer at the Visit Mobile Welcome Center on Royal Street up until 2025. She was also a volunteer at the Saenger Theater, GulfQuest, and for Mobile Ballet and Mobile Symphony performances.

Like many native Mobilians, Carolyn grew up going to Mobile Mardi Gras and she carried that tradition through to the end. When she and Joe moved into Church Street East Historic District in 1999, Mardi Gras became a three-week family and friends’ reunion. She continued the tradition right up until the 2026 season, inviting her children and their families, nieces and nephews, friends and neighbors into her home. She never missed a parade, even if it meant walking to the parade route on her own where she always spotted a friend.

Something of which Carolyn was most proud was how she passed along her love of music to her children. She and Joe loved dancing and concerts together. After Joe passed, Carolyn joined the Mystic Order of the Jazz Obsessed and attended other live music events every chance she got. She always had music playing in her house, so when her dementia worsened, her children made sure they kept the music going – playing Elvis and her other long-time favorites right up until her passing. On the night she passed, Elvis gospel songs were playing in her room. By some divine intervention, as she was taking her final breaths, the song that came on was Amazing Grace, sung by Elvis.

Carolyn is survived by her children, Marcie Kinsey, Diana Brewer, Scott (Terri) Utsey, David Utsey, Kendra Utsey, and Justin Utsey; grandchildren Ryan (Ben) Spencer, Lauren Renee Kinsey, John Luke (Ashlyn) Brewer, Dylan Brewer, Morgan Baehr, Sophia Utsey, Caleb (Abigail) Utsey, and Carlie Utsey; great-grandchildren Oliver, Hollis, Aubree, Scarlett, Baylee, Jude, and Akiko; her sisters-in-law Barbara (Jack) Stevens, and Lurlee Utsey, and numerous nieces and nephews. She also leaves behind dear friends Ben Hebert, Brenda Duncan, Joyce and Dick Cuny, and Leigh Frederick. In addition to Joe, Carolyn was preceded in death by her parents, Christopher and Helen Prados, her father and mother-in-law Gaines and Thelma Utsey, sisters Tina (Everett) Lott, Bonnie (Reuben) Barnett, and Pamela (John) Arata.

Visitation will be on Sunday, Nov. 22, from 5pm until 7pm at Radney Funeral Home, Dauphin Street. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated Monday, Nov. 23, at 11am at Little Flower Catholic Church. Flowers may be delivered to Radney Funeral Home, or donations may be made in Carolyn’s honor to Mobile Ballet or Ronald McDonald House Mobile.