Carolyn Joyce Chism, 73, of Bowling Green KY was called home to the loving arms of our Lord in Heaven on August 21, 2024. She made the peaceful transition while asleep, in her home.
Carolyn was born on November 7, 1950 to Ora and Andrew Perich in Fort Worth, Texas. As a small child Carolyn was diagnosed with Polio and spent most of her childhood sick and disabled. Never one to let anything hold her back, she won the battle with Polio and went on to be a wife and loving mother to three children. She worked hard all of her life doing whatever it took to make ends meet and provide for her family that she loved so much.
Though she struggled for what she had and led a modest life, she had a bleeding heart of gold helping anyone less fortunate than herself. Carolyn loved people for their diversity, embracing people from all walks of life no matter their race, gender, age, or orientation. Always quick to cast herself in the role of “Momma” or “Grandma” to those needing nurturing, and affectionately refer to them as her “bonus” babies.
Carolyn was a natural caregiver who was first to step in and care for those unable to care for themselves. She was a nurse to many, even moving them into her home until they were well. She selflessly was her mother’s caregiver for over 20 years until her passing.
Carolyn was quite talented with arts and crafts and had a unique ability to recreate almost any craft she seen without instructions.
She was a big fan of the outdoors and nature. She was always ready to “hit the road and see the county”.
Her love for animals was undeniable and she rescued numerous dogs throughout her lifetime. She was so proud and happy to have had her final fur baby, Dexter, aka “Turd” with her in her final years. She said he was the sweetest, most loving dog she ever had.
Carolyn always said, quote “There is no love more genuine and loyal than the love of a dog”
Carolyn was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, James Chism; her brothers, Pete Perich and David Perich; her sisters, Betty Jean Chapman and Judy Frataccia; her daughter, Shannon Stevens; and a granddaughter, Autumn Stevens.
She is survived by a brother, Danny Perich; her two sons, Sean Davis and Scott Davis; six grandchildren, Dakota Stevens, Imagen Stevens, Shayna Stevens, Gavin Davis, Emily Davis, and Hayden Davis; a “Bonus” Son, Dwayne Jerman; a “Bonus” Daughter, Shanna McGill; and “Bonus” Grandchildren, Emmanuel Humbles and Isis Matlock.
Carolyn spent the final 8 years of her life in the loving care of her son Sean while she battled kidney failure with dignity and grace. This beautiful soul will be unbearably missed by so many and live on in our hearts and memories forever.
In honor of Carolyn’s final wishes, cremation was chosen and a private celebration of her life and spreading of the ashes will take place at a future date.
