Carolyn Bristol

Carolyn Elizabeth Strawn Bristol was born on September 9, 1940 to Max Strawn and Mary Lib Strawn in Jackson, Michigan. She suffered a sudden but peaceful event while sitting next to her youngest son, Andrew, while attending church services on Sunday, January 13th, and passed away later that night at Bronson Hospital. Carol graduated from the University of Michigan and then earned her Master's in Library Science and Audio-Visual Media from Western Michigan University. She was a retired Librarian with the Kalamazoo Public Schools. Carol loved her family and had passions for flowers (especially wildflowers, which were a favorite subject of her photography), music (particularly listening to bluegrass or anything sung by any member of her family!), children's literature, and reading. She was a longtime member of the P.E.O. Sisterhood and many book clubs. Carol is a sweet soul, a wonderful non-judgmental calm and caring listener who will be deeply missed here by those who long to join her one day in heaven. Carol is survived by her daughter Shelley Bristol Mease (Todd) of Lakeland, FL, son Steven Bristol (Stacey) of St. Simons Island, GA, son Andy Bristol of Kalamazoo, grandsons Justin Mease and Will Bristol, as well as her beloved sisters Nancy Neilson of Jackson, MI and Betty McLeod of Windham, ME. A memorial for Carol will be part of the Phoenix Community Church's worship service on Sunday, January 20th at 6 p.m. at the United Church of Christ, 2208 Winchell Ave. in Kalamazoo. In lieu of flowers, Carol requested that donations be made in her memory to the Phoenix Community Church. Please visit Carolyn's personalized online guestbook at www.langelands.com.