- Date Of Birth: July 19, 1934
- Date Of Death: July 4, 2016
- State: Florida
Carolyn Ruth Chestnut, 81, of Ft. Walton Beach, Florida passed away unexpectedly on July 4th. She will be remembered by anyone who knew her as a completely selfless, giving, loving, light hearted person. She truly lived her faith, one day at a time and to be in her presence was to feel the peace and compassion of the Spirit. She met life, with all of its changes and chances, with humor and strength.
Carolyn was born in Blackwell, Oklahoma to Dr. Roy and Elizabeth Barrick. She was the youngest of four children. She graduated with many honors from Oklahoma A&M (later OSU) with a degree in music. She was gifted on the clarinet and piano. She taught music in Ardmore, Oklahoma, later leaving that profession to marry Joseph L. Chestnut a pilot in the USAF. His military career took them overseas for a period of time, where their oldest son was born in France. Returning stateside, Carolyn devoted her time, energy and love to a now growing family of four, finally settling in Fort Walton Beach. After her husband was MIA from the Vietnam War, Carolyn courageously and with great strength raised all four children, whose devotion to her has been immeasurable. She was a long time and active member of St.
The past few years had brought a new joy to Carolyn’s life. Carolyn reconnected with an old high school friend, Lester Crawford of Casper, Wyoming and their friendship bloomed to love. Lester had recently joined Carolyn in Fort Walton Beach. It was a beautiful blessing in her life.
Carolyn is survived by four children: David Chestnut (wife, Beth) of Asheville, Dan Chestnut and Don Chestnut of Fort Walton Beach, and Diane Rajani (husband, Russ) of Senoia, Ga. She has one grandchild, Zoe Chestnut of Asheville. She is survived by many loving nieces and nephews and many close friends.
