Carol Juanita Southam

Carol Juanita Simmons was born on February 3, 1938 in Toledo, Ohio to Reverend Henry Arthur and Ruth Mary Simmons. She had one brother named Ken. During her youth, Carol traveled across the United States with her parents and her brother, enjoying activities like swimming and ice skating. In high school, she participated in glee club, cheerleading, tennis, drama, and student government. Carol excelled academically and was crowned homecoming queen, admired for her inner and outer beauty.

Carol attended Bowling Green University, where she became a member of the Delta Gamma Sorority and joined the cheer team. She embodied a genuine spirit to cheer for others' triumphs, which extended throughout her whole life. At Brigham Young University, Carol earned her Master's degree and met her husband, DeLyle Clair Southam, during a ballroom dance class. They married on December 3, 1965 in the Salt Lake City Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Temple. Fitting for her love of long flowing dresses, Carol wore a beautiful floor length gown tinseled in lace. After the wedding, they settled in Orem, Utah, where Carol pursued her graduate studies and worked as a teacher in the Jordan School District. Shortly after, their first daughter, Kristine, was born.

Carol and DeLyle moved frequently and were beloved at each place. While residing in Blackfoot, Idaho, their second child, Renee, was born. Their third child, Wendy, was born while they lived in Salt Lake City, Utah. The family eventually settled in Bellingham, Washington, where their fourth child, Debra, was born. Carol and DeLyle's parenting styles complimented each other. Carol later moved to Salem, Oregon, where she spent the majority of her life, residing there for 39 years.

Throughout her career, Carol taught elementary school and became a Reading Specialist. She also spent many years working as a librarian. She had a particular passion for helping children who were learning English as a second language and dedicated her time to tutoring them for free, both after school and during the summer. Carol's commitment to education and her students made a significant impact.

Carol had a deep love for animals, especially cats. She would frequently compose playful conversations back and forth with them, which was quite charming and entertaining to watch. She actively pursued genealogy research and participated in the Portland Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Temple. Music brought her joy, and she loved singing in choirs, often adapting song lyrics to suit different situations. Undoubtedly, this passion was passed on to her daughters. Carol held a profound love for her family, friends, good meals, ice cream, the beach, photo albums, poetry, books, scriptures, and music. She especially loved tending to her roses, as they were her favorite flower -- so long as they smelled good and were the right colors! Carol is also known for her habit of not wasting food. She would put leftovers in her purse from restaurants and even buffets! Most of all though, Carol cherished her time with her four daughters and would become emotional when they had to leave after visiting.

Known for her strong-willed nature, Carol freely expressed her opinions. She preferred to keep phone calls short and sweet; although, you could always count on her handwritten cards to be long, thoughtful, and in cursive. Her loving personality, sense of humor, and willingness to serve endeared her to many. She was deeply cherished as a Christian, Mother, Friend, Teacher, Wife, Daughter, Grandmother, and Sister. Carol's strong faith in Christ guided her belief in serving others, which was an integral part of her life.

On July 10, 2023 at the age of 85, Carol passed away in Salem, surrounded by her loving family. Her passing was very sudden. Her absence left a void that cannot be filled, but she will forever be remembered and cherished in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

Carol was preceded in death by her brother, Ken Simmons; her husband, DeLyle Clair Southam; and her parents, Reverend Henry and Ruth Simmons. She is survived by her four daughters, Kristine Sipple, Renee Southam-Reid, Wendy Southam, and Debra Fisher; her sons-in-law, John Sipple and Greg Fisher; and her four grandchildren, JJ Sipple, Nicole Sipple, CJ Reid, and Kathryn Fisher.

A funeral service for Carol will be held Saturday, July 15, 2023 at 11:30 AM at Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 2530 Boone Rd in SE Salem, Oregon. Carol will be laid to rest at Belcrest Memorial Park in Salem, Oregon.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation toward mental illness for those dearest to Carol's heart.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be left at www.vtgolden.com for Carol's loving family.