Carolyn Shivley

(From Parker Mortuary)

Carolyn J. Shivley, age 77, Joplin, passed away on Saturday, November 20, 2021 in Joplin at Solace House of the Ozarks.

Carolyn was born November 26, 1943 in Joplin, the daughter of the late Tommy and Louella (Chapman) Harbit. She grew up in Joplin attending Joplin Schools graduating in 1961.

She was an amazing seamstress that worked tirelessly on mastering her craft, specializing in custom bridal and formal wear. Although she continued in bridal and alterations, she found her true love to be in creating custom quilts for the ones she loved. She used her talents and creativity to touch many lives with her custom quilt designs. A completed quilt meant quality time spent with each individual getting the memories that she used to develop the designs.

Carolyn’s career path was diverse. She worked with Elizabeth Arden cosmetics at Famous Barr, winning many awards that allowed many amazing trips with family that she loved dearly. For over 20 years she gave of herself to a career with Ozark Memorial Park Cemetery in family services. There she used her unconditional love and compassion to help people through the most difficult times in their lives.

The most important thing in her life was her relationship with Christ. She spent each morning in God’s Word asking Him what He had for her each day. She was an active member of Emmanuel Baptist Church in Webb City, MO.

Second to that was her family. She enjoyed everything from celebrating the big moments to a cozy family dinner or a trip for ice cream. Many memories were made on weekend trips because all you had to do is say, “let’s go” and she was ready to run. She loved her daughters unconditionally, always ready to hear what was going on in their lives, and willing to help in any way possible. Her grandchildren were her pride and joy. She cherished time visiting with each of them, especially the last few years as they have embarked on their own life journey. Catching up with them, hearing about them, or bragging about them always brought a smile to her face. She was loved and will be greatly missed by many.

In addition to her parents, Carolyn was preceded in death by her true love, husband Donald J. Shivley, parents Tommy and Louella Harbit, a brother, Robert Harbit, and infant son Craig.

Survivors include her daughters, Jamie Gillmore and husband Stephen of Webb City, Melissa Eudy of Joplin; grandchildren, Rachel Zwahlen and husband Joel of Joplin, Natalie Eudy of Hutchinson, Kansas, Renae Gillmore of Webb City, and Mason Eudy of Joplin.

She spent many hours “jibber- jabbering” and watching movies with her dear friend, Delmer Daniels of Joplin. There are so many other extended family members and friends who filled her life with love and joy.

Memorial service will be held on Wednesday, November 24, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. at Emmanuel Baptist Church of Webb City, MO. Graveside to follow at Ozark Memorial Park Cemetery.

The family will receive friends at Emmanuel Baptist Church on Tuesday from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m.

The family requests that memorial contributions be made to The Solace House of the Ozarks care of Parker Mortuary.