Carolyn Bounds Martin, age 97, entered into the Presence of Our Lord on May 14, 2025. She is now resting in the Arms of her Jesus, bestowing that beautiful smile that was always present on her face to all. Her sweet spirit will surely be missed by all of us here but will grace heaven.

Born in Bridgeport, MS on February 24, 1928, she was the third child of Robert C. Bounds and Virdue Turner Bounds. Some of her first memories are of living in New Orleans as her father attended seminary.

The family later moved to the Magee area where her father taught school and pastored. During that time the family home burned down and at the early age of 8, she was credited with saving her baby sister Bobbye Jean. In spite of the house fire, she often recalled fond memories of those days.

She graduated from Mendenhall High School where she was class president every year, ran the school newspaper, was class historian and graduated third in her class. She was also named Most Beautiful-a little tidbit she let slip one day! She also served in her father's church as the pianist. She would laugh and say that at home she would begin to play a "Boogie Woogie" tune and as her father would come in, change it to a hymn. There was just a little rebellion in this young lady.

After graduation, she moved to Jackson, MS where she worked at the Power and Light Company and then joined Bell South in 1954, serving in the secretarial pool. Carolyn served in various departments and was working in management in the Security Department when she retired after 35 years in June of 1989. After retiring she worked part time for a number of years at Woman's Hospital as the receptionist.

When she saw a need she stepped in, taking care of grandchildren in Texas and in Mississippi. She was always willing to be of service to others even at the expense of herself. Her example of strength and faith in God also helped her raise two children who will continue her legacy. If you knew her, you loved her. There was always a sweet radiance about her that drew people in.

She is preceded in death by her parents, brother James Bounds, sister Reba Barthel, Sister Bobbye Jean Patterson and son in law Jim Caldwell. She is survived by her daughter Cheryl Martin Caldwell and son Randy Martin; 6 grandchildren: Courtney (Todd) Yarbrough, James (Rachael) Caldwell, Cara (Eddie) Hinton, Alex (Alaina) Martin, Eva Martin and Jessie Martin: 6 great grandchildren: Caitlynn Yarbrough, Tyler Yarbrough, Violet Martin, Nathanael Caldwell, William Caldwell and Chloe (Keith) Kimery and a great great grandchild Lottie Kimery. She is also survived by her sister-in-law John Effie Bounds along with precious nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Missions Ministry at Colonial Heights Baptist Church in Ridgeland, MS.