Carolyn Rose Burkholder

Carolyn Williamson Burkholder, age 84, passed away on October 10, 2026, in Jackson, Michigan. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and teacher who loved her Lord Jesus and demonstrated that love through compassion, generosity, and care for others. Her life verse was Proverbs 3:5-6:

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight."

Carolyn's life reflected these words, and today she spends eternity with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Carolyn was born on October 8, 1942, to Lawrence and Marie Williamson and grew up in Peoria, Illinois. She attended Taylor University, where she was crowned homecoming queen and met her future husband, Timothy Jay Burkholder. They married on August 8, 1964, beginning a life together centered on faith, family, and service. In 1970, they made their home in Upland, Indiana, where they raised their three children, Joleen, Alison, and Drew.

Carolyn dedicated her career to teaching elementary school in Blackford County. She worked incredibly hard and took great pride in teaching kindergarten and first grade students for more than 30 years. After retiring, she continued working with elementary students as a literacy coach at Marion County Schools for three years. Even after a full day at school, she somehow never failed to have dinner on the table for her family at 6 p.m. Her dedication was evident both in the classroom and in the home she created for her family. She had a servant's heart, and it showed in everything she did.

She was an amazing cook who knew how to make guests feel welcome, although everyone knew that when she was cooking, the kitchen was hers, and you stayed out! Food and baskets lined the kitchen island, and gathering for a meal was a familiar and much loved part of family life. Her grandchildren especially loved her homemade spaghetti sauce, double chocolate cake, chili, and buttermilk pancakes cooked in oil. Her secret ingredient was no secret to the family: sugar in the spaghetti sauce, sugar in the cake, sugar in the chili, and extra sugar in the pancakes. Those meals became cherished memories of time spent with Grandma.

Carolyn loved making holidays special. She had more boxes of decorations than anyone could imagine, with her beloved Byers' Choice carolers holding a special place among them. She delighted in decorating her home and bringing the family together. She also loved her flowers, both at her home in Upland and at her cottage in Michigan, tending to the beauty of the places she held dear. Taking care of God's creation always put a smile on her face!

Her family will remember the hugs she was always ready to give and the sight of her standing on the porch, waving goodbye. Alongside her compassionate heart was a competitive spirit that came out around the game table, especially when she lost to her son Drew. And Carolyn certainly loved to shop, not just window shop, either. She could happily spend hours in TJ Maxx, making sure she hadn't missed a thing! It was one of her favorite pastimes to share with family and friends.

Faith and fellowship were central to Carolyn's life. As a member of Upland Community Church, she served alongside Tim and formed meaningful friendships. She loved her Bible study groups and was always willing to prepare food for community gatherings and church potlucks. Making a meal was one of the many ways she cared for the people around her. She also served in after school programs at the Red Barn and was involved with Helping Hands.

Carolyn is survived by her sister, Margo Keller of Blairsburg, Iowa; her children, Matt and Joleen Hurt of Spring Arbor, Michigan, Alison and Jim Robinson of Carmel, Indiana, and Drew and Angie Burkholder of Indianapolis, Indiana; and her seven grandchildren, Caleb, Makayla, and Chelsea Hurt; Halle and Kayleigh Robinson; and Charlotte and Grayson Burkholder.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Tim, in 2024, and by her parents, Marie and Lawrence Williamson.

Arrangements for Carolyn have been entrusted to the Jones-Smith Chapel of Armes-Hunt Life Celebration Funeral Home and Cremation Services. Visitation will be held at Upland Community Church, 439 West Berry Avenue, Upland, Indiana 46989, on Saturday, October 17, 2026, at 2:00 p.m., followed by a service celebrating Carolyn's life at 3:00 p.m. with Pastor Dan Blosser officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to the Dr. Tim and Carolyn Burkholder Memorial Scholarship at Taylor University.

Carolyn leaves her family with memories of warm hugs, wonderful meals, lively games, beautiful holidays, and one more wave from the porch. She loved deeply, worked hard, and gave generously. Her family will carry that love with them always!