Carolynn Beth Thayer

1935 - 2025

Carolynn Beth Sewell Thayer, 90, of Columbus, passed from this life at 4:26 p.m. Wednesday, December 10, 2025, at Willow Crossing Health & Rehabilitation.

She was born May 2, 1935, in Columbus, Indiana, the daughter of James E. and Emily Elizabeth "Libby" Wallace Sewell.

Carolynn was a life-long resident of Columbus, Indiana and was proud of the history and culture of her hometown. As a young child she sang with her locally famous grandfather, Charles H. "Fuzzy" Sewell, in venues around the area including The Crump. She graduated from Columbus High School in 1952. She was a member of the International Order of The Rainbow for Girls and served as Worthy Advisor. She was a member of Delta Theta Tau Sorority. After high school, she worked at Vernco and Cummins Engine Company. She was married to James H. Thayer from 1956-1985. Carolynn earned her bachelor's and master's degree from Indiana University in elementary education. She taught second grade at Clark Elementary School in Whiteland, Indiana. from 1973-1975 and first and second grade at W.D. Richards in Columbus, Indiana. from 1975-2001. Carolynn also tutored many international elementary school children who lived in Columbus to speak English. She taught Sunday School at First Christian Church where she has been a life-long member. But, the singular most joy of her life was her family, especially her 7 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren all of whom she called her "angels". She considered her sisters, Janet, Betty, and JoAnn her best friends.

Survivors include her children, Craig (Laura) Thayer and Mark (Jean) Thayer both of Columbus and Julie (David) Voor of Mishawaka, Indiana; grandchildren, Emily (Daniel) Petrie, John (Stephanie Kennedy) Thayer, Charlie (Kelly) Thayer, Mark C. Thayer, Michael Voor, Andrew Sechrest and Libby Voor; great-grandchildren, Graham and Fletcher Petrie and Jack and Ella Thayer; sisters, Janet Owen and JoAnn (Cliff) Greenlee both of Columbus.

She was preceded in death by her parents, a daughter, Beth Ann Thayer Sechrest, and a sister Betty Misner.

The funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, December 18, 2025, at Barkes, Weaver & Glick Funeral Home on Washington Street with Steve Yeaton officiating.

Family and friends may gather for a time of visitation from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, December 17, 2025, and 9:00 a.m. to time of service Thursday at the funeral home.

She will be laid to rest next to her late daughter Beth, at the Garland Brook Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to First Christian Church or the donor's choice of charity.

Carolynn's family sends their deepest gratitude and appreciation to all of the employees at Willow Crossing Health & Rehabilitation for the excellent care she received over the past year.

Condolences and special memories may be shared with the Thayer family and a video tribute may be viewed at barkesweaverglick.com.