Carolyn Faye French

Carolyn French of Idabel, Oklahoma lost her courageous battle with cancer on August 19, 2022.  She was born in De Kalb, Texas on June 16, 1956., graduated from De Kalb High School and confessed a hope in Christ at an early age worshipping at Mt. Zion Baptist Church in De Kalb.  

Carolyn met and married the love of her life, Cotroal French, while working at Tyson Foods, a job she worked for over twenty years.  She and Cotroal were married for forty-two years on August 18, 2022.  While making her home in Oklahoma, she united with New Beginning Church where she served as Church Clerk, Hospitality and Kitchen Coordinator, which fit her well as she loved to cook and could do it really well. 

Carolyn had a love for the Lord, a love for people in general and an unconditional love for her family.  Her grandchildren define her simply as “The Best Granny EVER!”

Carolyn held on to faith and loved the readings of the word, most especially the book of psalm.  

Carolyn was preceded in death by her mother, Erma (Smith) Bennett; sister, Stepheny Bennett; her loving (Big Mama), Estelle Smith; stepson, Anthony Norwood; grandchildren, La’Zaria and La’Zarion; brother, Odell; and stepmother, Joyce Bennett.

Carolyn’s presence will be greatly missed, however her memories will forever be cherished by her devoted husband, Cotroal French, Sr. who demonstrated “For richer, for poorer, in sickness and health, to love and to cherish, til death do us part”; two sons, Brian Smith of Hooks, Texas and Cotroal French Jr. of Idabel, Oklahoma; one daughter, Elisha French of Idabel, Oklahoma; sister, Debra (Smith) Miller of Texas, Texas; father, Joe A. Bennett of De Kalb, Texas; twenty-one grandchildren, numerous other family members and friends. 

A homegoing celebration will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, August 27, 2022 at the Bypass Church of Christ. Family will receive friends at the Clardy Funeral Service Chapel from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Friday, August 26, 2022.  

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