CAROLYN SNOW
1940-02-29 2005-12-21
Carolyn Jane Snow died December 21, 2005, at her home in Branson, Missouri, following a brief battle with cancer. Her husband of 27 years, her children and her best friend of 40 years lovingly surrounded her. Carolyn was born in Seattle, Washington, February 29, 1940, to George and Virginia Snow. She is survived by her husband Dr. Dale Smith; sister Joanna Snow 'Rose Red" Cruse of Whidbey Island, Washington; three children Virginia (Ginger) Gibson, Claire Bolen and husband Michael, and Gordon Folkins and Kara, all of Tulsa, Oklahoma; one step daughter Dr. Jackie Smith and husband Kevin Brown of Guthrie, Oklahoma; three children Nick Gibson, Peter and Abby Folkins; and one great-grandson Johnny Brown. Her parents Gordon and Virginia Lee Snow, brothers Gordon, Robin, and Timothy Snow preceded her in death. Carolyn wanted everyone to know she was a 'crazy hippie chick" who loved to help people. She co-founded for Firehouse Art Station in Norman, Oklahoma, was the first female prison guard in the State of Oklahoma, started Institution Programs, Inc. in the Oklahoma Prison system, was a Poet and a Potter in Residence and co-founded American Kids, Inc. She loved pimento cheese, strong coffee, Washington State, Ozark Mountains, Seattle, Whidbey Island, cooking and family. Through her work with art and entertainment, she shared her generous gift of Christian spirit. Carolyn was an artist and internationally published poet whose greatest accomplishment and joy came in helping people. Since 1982 she and husband Dr. Dale Smith, have propelled the American Kids organization to where it is today. Carolyn had many gifts – all of which encompassed a caring for people. Her positive, genuine attitude has made a difference in all of our lives. 'Sing the song in the way our hearts want it to be sung. Let the words surround us all. Then we'll know. Come over here, we are waiting." Carolyn Snow, 1988 Memorial donations can be made to the Carolyn Snow Scholarship Fund" C/O American Kids, 159 Pointe Royale Drive, Ste. O, Branson, MO 65616.
Carolyn and I did not grow up together but we met at Roosevelt and became best of friends. We had E. Smith for English and Carolyn excelled in that class. Writing and poetry came so easy for her. She also had an artistic side which blossomed after she left high school. Carolyn & Lee Folkins were married just after high school and she asked me to be her maid of honor. They had three children and lived in Norman Oklahoma. Carolyn wanted everyone to know she was a "crazy hippie chick" who loved to help people. She co-founded the Firehouse Art Station in Norman Oklahoma, was the first female prison guard in the State of Oklahoma, started Institution Programs Inc. in the Oklahoma prison system, was a Poet and a Potter in Residence and co-founded American Kids, Inc. She wrote two children's books, "The Baseball Raccoon" and "The Cornflake Chicken." Her work has been published in various poetry and literary magazines. Carolyn had many gifts - all of which encompassed a caring for people. Her positive, genuine attitude made a difference in many lives and she will be missed by all who knew her. Carolyn died in December 2005 at her home in Branson, Missouri, following a brief battle with cancer.
tribute by Peggy (Button) Kaastrup"I remember Carolyn Snow living close to me in grade school. She was so much taller than me ... we had a hard time walking together, my being so short."
tribute by Joan Garlick Yant