Carolyn Elizabeth Joyner Freebairn

After a life of faithful and dedicated service, Carolyn Elizabeth Joyner Freebairn “graduated” this life on March 13, 2022, and joined loved ones beyond the veil.

Born in 1934 as the first daughter to Oliver Hickman Joyner and Lottie Alice Player, and raised in Columbia, South Carolina, Carolyn was a true southern belle. After her marriage to Don Russell Freebairn in 1954 in the Salt Lake Temple, they settled in Tooele, and then Salt Lake City, Utah. They lovingly welcomed four children: David, Carla, Glenn, and Dan. She rose through the tragedy of losing her teenage son Glenn to leukemia, then a few short years later, her husband Don to a heart attack. Although a young widow, she continued to remain stalwart in service to and love of the Lord, her family, and Church community.

Carolyn was a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints her whole life, and served faithfully in many callings with children, youth, and the Relief Society. After she was widowed, she served missions to Birmingham, Alabama and Tortola, British Virgin Isles, and took seriously the challenge to “flood the earth with the Book of Mormon.” She loved sharing Christ’s love and gospel with all she met.

Carolyn never met a stranger, letting the Savior use her to extend love and kindness to the new friend in front of her. This gift, and her example of friendship to all, will be missed.

Carolyn loved to write, particularly poetry, and was honored to have several poems and articles published in journals, the Church News, and other publications. Her masterpiece poem, Act II, was published in the February 1979 Ensign and is registered in the National Library of Poetry.

Carolyn loved and welcomed each grandchild and great-grandchild, and traveled for baby blessings, baptisms, graduations, mission farewells, and weddings. Families could always count on birthday cards and surprise packages, and even the little ones knew it was from “Mambo” because the envelopes and packages were decorated with many fun stickers.

Before passing, Carolyn admonished each member of her posterity to cherish the gospel, as it is the only way to true and lasting happiness.

Carolyn was preceded in death by her husband Don, son Glenn, brothers Harold, Clifford, and Lilburn, and infant sister, Alice Celesta. She is survived by her brother Jack (Margaret); her children: David (Linda) Freebairn, Carla Freebairn, Dan (Jennifer) Freebairn; grandchildren: Michelle (Roy) Zwahlen, Becky (Alex) Stoddard, Neil (Danielle) Freebairn, Cindy (Chad) Parker, Camilla Freebairn, Steven (Amanda) Freebairn, Eli (Meagan) Freebairn, and Jared Freebairn; and 24 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

Viewing Thursday, March 17 from 6-8 p.m. at Larkin Mortuary, 260 E. South Temple, Salt Lake City. Memorial Service Friday, March 18, viewing from 9:30-10:30, service at 11:00 a.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at 1565 S. Foothill Blvd., Salt Lake City.

Donations to Humanitarian Services at https://philanthropies.churchofjesuschrist.org/humanitarian-services

Act II

Theatrical dialogue,
From the playwright’s page,
Portrays stirring drama
Vividly on stage.
Yet, a more moving performance,
Considering the factors,
Occurs in true-life living
Of the actors.
Thus, can we afford
To do less than our best
In the performance
Of our earthly test,
However challenging
Our role may be,
In life’s dress rehearsal
For eternity?

—Carolyn Joyner Freebairn

As Published by
The National Library of Poetry