Carolyn "Cee Jay" Jarrett

Carolyn L. Jarrett, 63, of Decatur, Illinois, peacefully transitioned on October 1, 2025. Born March 16, 1962, to Jefferson Joyner Jr. and Catherine Perkins Joyner, Carolyn lived a life marked by love, service, and strength. She was not only a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, but also a giant in her community-touching countless lives through her kindness, faith, and tireless dedication.
On December 27, 1998, Carolyn married the love of her life, Bobby Jarrett. Together they shared 26 years of marriage, rooted in faith and filled with love.
Carolyn was a proud graduate of Eisenhower High School. She first earned her Associate Degree from Richland Community College, then went on to complete her Bachelor of Science degree at Greenville University. Her professional journey reflected her heart for service-she worked in security for the Decatur Public School District before serving as a security professional at Decatur Memorial Hospital. She also worked as a teacher's assistant with DPS 61 and as a case manager and social worker for many Macon County organizations, including Dove Inc., Catholic Charities, Heritage Behavior, Macon Resources Inc., and Webster Cantrell Hall.
One of her greatest accomplishments was establishing Youth in Motion, a community engagement and violence prevention program. Through this initiative, Carolyn was able to mentor and employ young people across Macon County, offering them guidance, opportunities, and hope for a brighter future.
Beyond her professional and community work, Carolyn was known as a nurturer. She opened her home as a foster mother to many children, ensuring each was cared for and loved. Her kitchen was always a place of warmth, where she shared her gift of cooking and hospitality with family, friends, and neighbors. She had a special way of making everyone feel welcome, fed, and loved.
Her creativity and hard work also showed in her love for remodeling homes and beautifying spaces. She was a faithful member of Living Word Ministry Church, where her service and spirit of generosity shone brightly.
Carolyn leaves behind her devoted husband, Bobby Jarrett; her children, Arius (Tonya) Young, Amber Mann, and Mario Jarrett; and her bonus children, Daytonya, Terry (Robin), Chris, Corey (Chanique), Matthew, Jonathan, and Elijah. She also leaves her siblings, Connell (Chautauqua) Joyner, Aldenette (George) Bond, Sharolyn (Earl) Bates, and Carolyn Buford; her sisters-in-law, E. Jean Johnson and Josie (John) Witt; and her brother-in-law, Thomas (Alma) Jarrett. She was a proud grandmother to Carlie, Emanule Jr., Emari, Bryce (DaQuesha), Priyah, Ayrian, Ayriana, Christine, Justine, Crichelle, Corey Jr., Torey, Haven, and Jalan, and also leaves a host of great-grandchildren, extended family, foster children, friends, and community members.
Preceding her in death were her parents, grandparents, and brothers, Lonnell Joyner, Dennis Joyner, and Roscoe Leroy Joyner.
Carolyn's life was a testament of love, faith, and service. She was a rock for her family, a true friend to many, and a guiding light in her community. Her legacy will live on in the countless lives she touched, especially through the young people she mentored and inspired.