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Carolyn Rigby Almand
Shreveport, LA - Carolyn Rigby Almand, 89, passed away Saturday morning April 19, 2014. She was a native of Shreveport, Louisiana. Carolyn was born on April 29, 1924, to Dr. O. C. and Lena Rigby, active community leaders. Visitation will be held on Thursday, April 24, from 5:00 until 7:00 PM in the chapel of Cypress Baptist Church of Benton, Louisiana. Funeral services will be on Friday, April 25, at 11:00 AM in the sanctuary of Cypress Baptist. The graveside service will be held at 3:00 PM, Friday at the Haynesville Old Town Cemetery.
Carolyn attended South Highlands Elementary School, graduated from Byrd High School, and graduated Cum Laude from Centenary College receiving a BA degree with a major in piano and a minor in voice. While at Centenary she served as a member of the maroon jackets and sang in the very first Centenary Choir and was in the Chi Omega Sorority. During WW II, she worked at Downtown Shreveport Airport as a radio operator, giving instructions to the pilots.
On October 30, 1948, she married the love of her life, Cedric T. Almand of Haynesville. She moved to Haynesville and immediately joined the First Baptist Church where she was a member for 53 years. During those 53 years she faithfully served as children's music director, pianist to all choirs, and church organist for 28 years. Carolyn also formed and taught two different girls' groups, who sang in church and for many community events. For many years, she taught piano lessons at school and home. Her community involvement included membership in the Haynesville Country Club, the Haynesville Study Club, and the Haynesville Music Club, where she served as president. She was also a member of the Shreveport Woman's Department Club.
After her husband passed away, Carolyn moved to Benton, Louisiana, in 2001, to live with her youngest daughter, Connie, and her family. She joined Cypress Baptist Church, and began to use her musical abilities there. She played for her Sunday School Class, the senior adult choir, and sang in the Sanctuary choir. She played once a week for the residents of Pilgrim Manor nursing home. The entire family would like to acknowledge the wonderful care and concern Connie and her family gave to Carolyn for the past 13 years.
Her children often wonder about the number of people her musical talent touched and the number of children on which she bestowed her love and legacy of music. Carolyn loved music, but her greatest love and attention was saved for her husband and three daughters. She supported her family in all their endeavors, and Carolyn and Cedric were extremely proud of their daughters' achievements.
Survivors include her daughters: Carol Cook and husband, Allen, of Wheatland, WY; Claire Evans and husband, Hal, of Marshall, TX; and Connie White and husband, David, of Benton, LA. Her grandchildren: Dr. Erin Grady and husband, Tim; Gabe Cook and fiancée, Christina; Patrick McCuller and wife, Lisanne; Darden White; Clint White; and Julie Ricketts and husband Gareth. Great-grandchildren: Brennan and Brewer Ricketts. Sisters: Jean Waitz and Barbara Walker and husband, Tigner. Carolyn is also survived by many loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of close friends.
Preceding her in death were: her parents; her beloved husband, Cedric; her brother, Dr. Russell Rigby and wife, Martha; sister-in-law Narvis Almand Webb and husband, Joe; and brother-in-law William Waitz.
Donations may be made to Cypress Baptist Church of Benton or the American Diabetes Association.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
My thoughts and prayers are with your family at this time. Connie, Claire, Carol..Your mother was my dear friend and I will miss her very much as I know you will too. She gave her all with so many talents and touched so many people young and old. My thoughts and prayers are with each of you.
Peggy Pemberton
April 28, 2014
Hello carol sorry for your lost..I was your house keeper and your baby sitter for 8 years I live in Houston Tx .you, Clair and Connie have my sympathy Bettye Williams Taylor
Bettye Williams Taylor
April 28, 2014
I did not know this sweet lady but from all accounts she was an amazing woman I can see how loved she was. My deepest heartfelt feelings for all her family she leaves behind. Our loss is heaven's gain. God bless.
Nancie Reddy/Pace
April 28, 2014
Carol, Claire and Connie, So sorry to hear about Aunt Carolyn. I wasn't informed of the funeral plans and just searched online. Sorry to have missed honoring Aunt Carolyn.
Caryn Donnelly
April 25, 2014
Caroline and I both married Haynesville fellows and we knew each other there and I admired her. She was a siste Chi Omega. I am so happy to have know her. Blessings on her family now. Jasmine Crawford Morelock Field
April 24, 2014
I always loved your mom's youthful spirit. Knowing her made my life more fulfilled.
Mel Phillips
April 24, 2014
You are in our prayers and thoughts. I always thought so much of Carolyn.
Love,
Betty Fincher and George Lombas
April 24, 2014
Dear Carol, Claire and Connie,
So sorry to hear of your mother's passing. You said you often wonder how many lives she touched. She touched mine with voice lessons in preparation for my sister's wedding.
Again, sorry for your loss, but she was an awesome music and voice teacher.
Jane Thomas Welch
April 24, 2014
Carol, Claire, Connie, and Family
I was so sorry to hear of Carolyn's death. What a sweet lady and a blessing to so many in both Haynesville and the Benton communities! What great memories to be cherished, however, by your Family.
Ken Paulovich
April 23, 2014
Mrs. Almand, one of the sweetest people in the world. I wish I could have known her in earlier years but knowing her daughter helps me know just how she was! Connie is the most compassionate, loving, giving person that has crossed my path in my lifetime. Mrs. Almand was present at church on a continual basis with her grandson, Darden, at her side. I simply think my Sunday is not complete without the hugs from Darden and Connie!! My grandson, now a junior in HS will never forget her loving kindness with him, as his teacher. I have never heard him speak of another teacher in this way. I will truly miss her presence, and pray for Darden as well as the rest of the family....This will leave such a hole in their hearts, just as loosing my mom did.
Thank you, Mrs. Almand, for the sweet smile and gentle tap on the shoulder at church. I know you are dancing with your husband in Jesus presence!!
Linda S Maso
April 23, 2014
My deepest condolences in the loss of your mother. Losing someone we love can be painful. May you find comfort in the words of Psalm 23:4, "Though I walk in the valley of deep shadow. I fear no harm, For you are with me, Your rod and your staff reassure me (comfort me)." Sincerely
Sherry
April 23, 2014
SO SORRY TO HERE OF YOUR MOM'S PASSING. SHE AND YOUR DAD WERE SO SPECIAL TO MY FAMILY. IT WAS A JOY TO KNOW THEM. MAY GOD CONFORT YOU DURING THIS TIME.
BEN BOOTH & FAMILY
BEN BOOTH
April 22, 2014
So sorry to hear of Carolyn's passing. Another wonderful person who had so much influence over the youth of Haynesville, me being one of them. Please accept my deepest sympathy in the loss of your mother.
Barbara Dawson Reid
April 22, 2014
So sorry to hear of your mom's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
frank watson
April 22, 2014
To Barbara and Tigner and your family I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your sister. My prayers go out to you all.
Bettye LaCour (I am now living in Borger TX)
April 21, 2014
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