Carolyn Braswell Alexander, age 82 of Grenada, passed away Tuesday, November 24, 2015 at the home of her daughter, Karen, where she resided for the last three years. Carolyn was born on August 25, 1933, to the late Jimmy and Lola Braswell of French Camp.
In her final weeks, Carolyn began to plan her journey, and those of you that knew her well, know that she was going to direct every aspect. After the clothes, songs, preacher and pallbearers were arranged, Carolyn told her granddaughter, Keri, "I want you to write my obituary, and I don't want a short one." So folks, here it is: Carolyn attended French Camp before graduating with her youngest daughter in 1977 from Grenada Lake Academy, where she also drove the bus. Married in 1949 to the late Willie Alexander, Carolyn enjoyed 59 years of marriage and chaos raising her four rambunctious children.
Carolyn is a member of Enon Baptist Church where she attended faithfully until her health became problematic. She enjoyed being involved in a bowling league for twenty years where she traveled around the country with "the girls." Carolyn also enjoyed caring for her plants and birds, decorating cakes, sewing and being surrounded by family. I guess you could also say she was a bit of a collector, because she never throws anything away.
Always on the go, Carolyn was determined to attend every dance recital, birthday party, family reunion, and holiday despite Willie's constant rushing, "Come on, Carolyn. We aren't staying long." Armed with her camera in hand, she devotedly attended functions for her children, grandchildren and even great grandchildren and demanded everyone hang around afterwards for her pictures. So if you mentioned the word go, she was ready, but was going to arrive at least 15 minutes late.
Funeral services will be Friday, November 27, 2015 at McKibben and Guinn Chapel at 2:00 PM with Bro. Rickey Harris and Bro. Fletcher Moorman officiating. Interment will follow at Gore Springs Cemetery. Visitation will be Friday as well from 12:00-2:00 PM at McKibben and Guinn Funeral Service. Pallbearers are her grandsons Billie Ross James III (Tripp), Scot Alexander, Josh James, Doug Alexander, Cameron Tawater, Corey Alexander, Chad Carpenter and Kyle Alexander.
Carolyn is survived by her two sons, Melvin Alexander (Susan) of Grenada; Glen Alexander (Becky) of Gore Springs; two daughters, Janelle Alexander Carpenter (Steve) of Grenada; Karen Alexander James of Gore Springs; three brothers, Carlis Braswell (Patsy) of Winona; Hurshel Braswell of Winona; Lawrence Braswell (Burnadette) of Winona; and a sister-in-law, Nell Braswell of Houston; Eleven grandchildren and fifteen great-grandchildren whom she loved dearly.
Carolyn is preceded in death by her husband, Willie Alexander; parents, Jimm and Lola Braswell of French Camp; her brother, Benny Braswell of Winona; son-in-law, Billie Ross James of Gore Springs and sister-in-law, Helen Braswell of Winona.
Funeral arrangements entrusted to McKibben and Guinn Funeral Service (662) 307-2694. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.mckibbenandguinn.com