Carolyn Ann Ann Parrish Lawson Craig

Carolyn Ann Parrish Lawson Craig: May 18, 1943 – October 17, 2025
Carolyn was born on May 18, 1943, in Long Beach, California to William Lorimer Parrish and Alice June Pratt Parrish. She was the oldest of three children and grew up with a deep love for family, faith and service.
A proud graduate of Roseville High School in 1961. She fulfilled a lifelong dream when she attended Brigham Young University. She married her high school sweetheart, Gary Clifton Lawson, and the two were sealed in the Salt Lake City Temple in 1962. They shared 52 beautiful years of marriage before Gary's passing in 2014.
Carolyn's life was one of purpose, creativity, and connection. She built several successful careers – from owning a Shaklee business to working in law offices, investing and founding multiple family-run ventures. Yet, her greatest legacy was her role as a devoted wife, loving mother, loyal friend and spiritual matriarch.
In 2021, Carolyn's life was blessed with a second chance at love. She met Rick Craig online – on her last day on the dating site and his first day. They were married on July 23, 2021.
From her marriage to Gary, she was blessed with 43 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren and through her marriage to Rick, she gained 10 more children, 31 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren.
Carolyn was preceded in death by her sister Jacqueline (Wayne) Barker in 2004 as well as two sons, Timothy (2016) and Kirk (2018).
She is survived by her Husband Rick Craig; her brother Tim (Nikki) Parrish and beloved children Todd (Kim), Shawn (Jane), Lance (Heather), Jason (Liz), Amber Lawson Brown, Jared (Jamie), Sherene (Dirk) Kearsley, Brad (Beth). She is also survived by her two bonus sons John (Maria) Trump and Shayne (Katie) Barker.
Carolyn truly lived for her family – her "perfect dozen" of children – and created a home where everyone was welcome. Whether it was a neighborhood child or a missionary far from home, Carolyn made sure no one left hungry or without feeling loved. A devoted member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Carolyn's faith was the guiding light of her life. She served diligently in many callings, especially with the Young Women and Relief Society. She also served as a ordinance worker in the Houston and Provo Temple's. It was a special day for all when she would call on those she loved and wish them a Singing Happy Birthday. She found joy in the sound of the ocean, piano music, dancing, traveling, and the company of her family and friends.
Carolyn had a gift for finding the silver lining on every cloud, for filling hearts with warmth, and for making every gathering brighter. She lived to hug your cares away, put a smile on your face, and share her love through her laughter, service, and incredible cooking.
She will be deeply missed and forever remembered for her boundless love, strength, and faith. She will be gone but not forgotten.
Small Viewing in Casket Prior to Cremation
October 24th, 2025 from 12 PM – 1 PM
Serenity Funeral Home
13863 S. 2700 W. Bluffdale, UT 84065
Funeral Services
October 30th, 2025
Viewing: 9:30 AM - 10:15 AM
Services: Starting at 10:30 AM
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints
135 E. 2000 S. Orem, UT 84058
Burial Services
Proceeding the Services
Orem City Cemetery
1520 N. 800 E. Orem, UT 84097
Catered Luncheon – By Olive Garden
Proceeding the Burial
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints
135 E. 2000 S. Orem, UT 84058
*A live video feed will be provided for watching the Funeral Services remotely.