Carolyn Sue Kennedy, born on May 27, 1941, to Albert and Della DeLaughter in El Reno, Oklahoma, peacefully entered the presence of her Savior on May 23, 2025, at the age of 83.

A proud graduate of El Reno High School, Carolyn pursued further education at El Reno Junior College before marrying the love of her life, Harland Dean, on February 4, 1961. Their 64-year marriage was a beautiful testament to their unwavering love, faith, and devotion. Together, they faithfully served Christ, cherished their family, and joyfully participated in the life of First Baptist Church, Bethany, for over five decades. Among their favorite shared activities was traveling, a passion that took them across the United States and abroad to places like Africa and Australia. She delighted in collecting all 50 state plates as souvenirs that she proudly displayed.

When her daughters, Kelly and Karen, started school, Carolyn returned to her studies and earned an elementary education degree from the University of Central Oklahoma. She began her teaching career at Western Oaks Elementary, where she spent 24 fulfilling years teaching 3rd grade. Her impact extended beyond the classroom, as she built meaningful connections with her colleagues and students.

Carolyn's teaching didn't stop at the school doors. She faithfully taught children's Sunday School and Vacation Bible School and led the Woman's Missionary Union (WMU) at First Baptist Church, Bethany. She began every morning at the kitchen table, with her Bible open and her head bowed as she prayed for her family, missionaries, and her friends. Her hobbies included sewing, quilting, and cooking.

Carolyn had a natural gift for hospitality, and family gatherings were her specialty, including Thanksgiving and the fun that followed in the annual flag football Turkey Bowl. She never wanted to miss a ball game or activity that involved her grandchildren. The addition of their spouses and the blessing of nine great-grandchildren added to the family she loved.

As we celebrate her life, we find comfort in 1 Corinthians 2:9: "What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human heart has conceived— God has prepared these things for those who love him." There is great comfort knowing she was welcomed into the presence of Jesus and now experiencing resurrection life promised to those who receive Christ as their Lord and Savior.

Carolyn's legacy is lovingly carried on by her husband, Dean; daughters Kelly King (Vic) and Karen Gebhart (Jim); her siblings, Phyllis Mosher, Shirley Davis (Ronal), and Roy DeLaughter (Nell); grandchildren, Ryan Gebhart (Natalie), Seth Gebhart (RaeAnn), Conner King, and Courtney Webster (Gaige); and great-grandchildren, Jayden, Ellington, Tatum, Miles, Beckham, Noa, Ella, Luken, and Adley. She was preceded in death by her parents, Albert and Della DeLaughter.

A celebration of Carolyn's life will be held on Friday, May 30, at 2 p.m. at First Baptist Church, Bethany. She will be laid to rest at El Reno Cemetery. Friends are invited to pay their respects on Thursday, May 29, at Mercer-Adams Funeral Service from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Carolyn's memory to Oklahoma Baptist Homes for Children.

The service will be live-streamed by First Baptist Church of Bethany and may be viewed on this obituary page or at https://www.youtube.com/@fbcbethany.