Carolyn Gray Poulson
Dec. 23, 1931 - Jan. 1, 2018
Carolyn Poulson, mom! Your legacy will forever be defined by dedicated service to others; a level of dedication that guided your every selfless action, kind word and sincere thoughts for others. You welcomed everyone into your life, and epitomized the meaning of charity by making them feel as though God was watching over them through you. You lived humbly, and selflessly, yet felt exceedingly rich with the "jewels of heaven", your family. You found happiness as a young girl being raised in Provo, Utah. You often commented that "you had the best childhood anyone could ever have." Your parents Seymour Dean and Vera Eliza Williams Gray filled it with broad life experiences. You were a "daddy's" girl. They showed by example to be accepting of all and to give all you had. You were taught to work hard and to never give up, as demonstrated by your parents. The stories from this childhood are endless. You were always proud to have been born on Joseph Smith's birthday.
You met our dad, Monte Poulson, the love of your life and eternal partner, when you both worked at the lodge in Bryce Canyon, Utah. You were married and cherished each other for for 63 ½ years. Together you raised us 5 children, and this is where your true life's mission of dedicated service began. You created a home of love, acceptance, and selfless service through your every thought and deed, never missing an opportunity to teach. Everyone was welcomed, and felt as though they were the most important person in your life as you gave tirelessly. You taught us by actions and deeds how to serve others. Our house was open to all, where you often gave a welcoming place to stay and served warm home cooked meals to family and stranger in need. You taught us to live simply with humbleness and gratitude of what we had. You loved sports … from being a Cheerleader at Provo High to watching endless hours of BYU sports the rest of your life. There wasn't a game you hadn't seen "Go Cougars". Your homemaking skills were plentiful, no one could cook, sew, or keep house like you. In a public setting if when we turned around and you were gone we just had to look through the crowd to find you talking to a perfect stranger. Your social media skills kept everyone up to date on what was happening in your life!
Your dedication to the gospel and its principles were deep and strong. You had many callings where you served faithfully. Your inner city mission, along with 14 + years of service in the Salt Lake Temple, were highlights of your life. Your faith in Heavenly Father was great. You served others with compassion through every day of your life, always worried about someone else.
Your legacy includes your 5 children Kathy (Lee) Baumann, Mike (Maria) Poulson, Dave (Tish) Poulson, Annie (Todd) Horton, and Carrie (Henry) Tenifa. 27 grandchildren, 48 great-children with 3 due this year and brother, Phil (Carol) Gray. You were reunited in Heaven with Dad, Monte; your mom and dad; your sister, Betty, who you missed dearly for so many years; and your brother, Dean. "What a glorious reunion!"
Funeral Services will be held Saturday, January 6, 2018, at 11:00 a.m. at the Winder West 13th Ward, 4350 South 1100 East SLC, UT 84117. A viewing will be held on January 5, 2018, from 6-8 p.m. at Jenkins-Soffe Mortuary, 4760 So. State Street, and from 10:00 to 10:45 a.m. at the church on Saturday prior to the funeral. Interment: Provo City Cemetery. Please share online condolences at www.jenkins-soffe.com.
Mom, there aren't enough words to write how you positively shaped our lives. We love you and will miss you terribly. We will honor your heartfelt request that we stay close as a family. We find comfort in knowing we will see you again. Filled with love and all that is good in the world, you will be our shining star in the heavens forever!
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Published in Deseret News from Jan. 4 to Jan. 5, 2018
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