Carolyn Naumann

(From Mason-Woodard Mortuary)

Carolyn Jean Naumann, 77, of Joplin, Missouri, passed away on February 7, 2026, at Mercy Hospital after a brief illness. Born on November 23, 1948, in Scranton, Pennsylvania, to Carl and Hattie (Henry) Gingher, Carolyn discovered her love of music and the piano at a young age, a passion that shaped her entire life.

Carolyn earned her Bachelor of Arts from Penn State University in 1971, majoring in Middle Eastern History with a Minor in Music. During her time there, she was an active member of Zeta Tau Alpha and Mu Phi Epsilon. She went on to serve proudly in the United States Navy from 1975 to 1978 as an air traffic controller in Norfolk, Virginia. During her service, she met fellow air traffic controller Mark Naumann, who would later become her husband. 

Carolyn and Mark were married on October 22, 1977, in her hometown of Scranton, and together they built a life that eventually brought them to Sioux City, Iowa, where they welcomed their daughter, Nicole. The family later settled in Nashville, Tennessee, where they lived for 35 years.

Carolyn worked for 21 years as a Client Services Specialist with CBRE, but her heart always belonged to music. She devoted countless hours to choral work, mentoring young musicians, and sharing her love of music with others. She was a devoted member of the adult and handbell choirs and a cherished leader of children’s music at First Presbyterian Church in Nashville, Tennessee. Beyond the choir loft, Carolyn taught piano lessons throughout her life and sang with the Nashville Symphony Chorus for 25 years, as well as several community choirs in the greater Nashville area. Before retirement, she received a life-changing kidney transplant for which she was profoundly grateful.

Following retirement, Carolyn and Mark relocated to Joplin, Missouri to be closer to their daughter Nicole, son-in-law Justice, and their beloved grandson, Liam. Living next door allowed Carolyn and Liam to form an inseparable bond filled with board games, long walks, and endless conversations. She often said her favorite hobby was simply spoiling Liam.

In Joplin, Carolyn continued to share her gifts generously. She served on the church board and steering committee, led the acolyte program, and was an active member of both the adult choir and handbell ensembles at Joplin First Church. Her passion for children’s music inspired her to lead a music class at Neighborhood Life House, where she nurtured young voices and celebrated worship through song. She also continued to raise her voice as a member of the MSSU Community Chorus. Outside of music activities, her passion for giving back to the community led her to volunteer monthly for the Crosslines Ministries local food pantry.

Carolyn was preceded in death by her parents and is survived by her husband, Mark Naumann; her daughter, Nicole (Naumann) Perkins; and her grandson, Liam Perkins, who will forever cherish the joy and warmth she brought into their lives.

Carolyn touched the hearts of all who knew her, and her legacy of music, service, and love will continue to resonate. A celebration of her life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations in her memory to the National Kidney Foundation.