Carolyn Y. Lawrence

Carolyn Yvonne (Sutton) Lawrence, age 70 of Owosso, passed away peacefully on Friday, December 13, 2024 at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, MI after courageously fighting a brief illness.

Born to Rena Ellen (Shears) and Kelly James Sutton on November 2, 1954 in Owosso, MI, Carolyn graduated from Corunna High School in 1974. She later attended University of Michigan and earned her Masters of Education degree.

Carolyn met the love of her life, Walter Lawrence Jr, at a friend’s house over a Monopoly game. They married in 1985 at the Curwood Castle in Owosso, MI and had a son, Timothy Ray, in 1989. Walter predeceased Carolyn after 51 years of partnership on December 24, 2022.

With a passion for life and family, learning and giving to others and her community, Carolyn was first a pharmacy technician at Memorial Hospital and then a Special Education teacher at Owosso Public Schools until her retirement. Having a son with special needs, Carolyn had a unique understanding of her students and strove to help them overcome barriers to learning. She was a creative woman and a gifted artist who brought these talents to the classroom and beyond - finding ways to brighten the lives of others through her festive art projects. She enjoyed implementing group science endeavors, and encouraged curiosity among not only her students, but others in the community at places such as DeVries Nature Conservancy and Hopkins Lake.

Carolyn also established student scholarship funds in memory of her husband at the Shiawassee Community Foundation, awarded annually, and another at the Shiawassee Arts Center.

An avid runner since her youth, Carolyn competed in many races for charity and organized several more. She was the past race director for the Shiawassee Roadrunners, Curwood Festival Run and Memorial Hospital 8K Run, as well as having the honor of being Roadrunner of the Year 1993. She also organized a race in memory of her late husband, Walter, each year since his passing that will continue on in both of their memories.

Carolyn’s legendary holiday goodies were a sight and taste to behold, and she enjoyed spending time with family in the Owosso area as well as in Lake City, MI, where she and Walter bought a vacation home. They enjoyed their time on the water, hosting or organizing family gatherings, photography and music. She was dedicated to remembering special events with gifts and cards.

Carolyn was the embodiment of grace, compassion, generosity of spirit, authenticity and devotion to family and friends - she was a true “doer.” Her philosophy on life can best be summed up in the words of Dr. Suess in The Lorax: “Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not.”

She leaves behind her cherished son, Timothy; her brother Robert (Wanda) Miller; sister Kellene (Joseph) Hedrich; brother-in-law Steve (Carol) Lawrence; sisters-in-law Leanne Taylor, Lynette (Phillip) Moore, Lana Lawrence and Judith Sutton; many loving nieces and nephews, cousins, and an aunt and uncles. Also special friends, Dianne Case, Wayne and Marcia Koppa, and Kristie Garman. Not to be forgotten are her beloved Maine Coon cats, Sagan and Sojourner (affectionately known as “The Gremmies”).

She was predeceased by her parents, husband Walter, and brothers, infant Paul Sutton, James Miller, Ronald Miller, Edward Sutton and Kelly “Gus” Sutton.

The Lawrence and Sutton families are deeply grateful to Carolyn’s friend and cousin, Jennifer DeLong, for the many hours she spent at her bedside in Detroit, holding her hand and reassuring her, and for using her skill as a nurse to keep abreast of Carolyn’s condition.

A private service will be held at a later date. In memory of Carol, please embrace a loved one, walk a nature trail, volunteer for a worthy cause or pay forward an act of kindness.