Carolynn Jo Watson Sharp

With great love and gratitude for her life, the family of Carolynn Jo Watson Sharp announces her passing on Wednesday, June 11, 2025. Known to many simply as “Jo” or “Aunt Jo,” Carolynn was a beautiful example of strength, kindness, and Christian faith throughout her 82 years.

Carolynn was born on January 31, 1943, in Merryville, Louisiana, to Stella Swilley Watson and Alvin Watson. She was one of five siblings and grew up surrounded by the deep love of family that remained at the center of her life. She graduated from Merryville High School and later earned her degree from McNeese State University, preparing for a life of teaching and service to others.

For her entire professional career, Carolynn was a devoted teacher, finding her calling in the hearts and hands of her kindergarten students. She was beloved by countless children and their families, offering not only education but also joy, encouragement, and a gentle, guiding hand. Even outside the classroom, she was drawn to children everywhere—whether winking at a child in a grocery store or lighting up at the sound of a little one’s laughter, Carolynn had a God-given gift for connecting with the young and the young at heart.

In 1965, Carolynn married the love of her life, Malcolm Sharp. Together, they built a marriage full of deep love, laughter, and faith, and were blessed with two sons, Mac Sharp and Marty Sharp. They shared 45 beautiful years together before Malcolm’s passing in 2010.

Carolynn’s faith was the cornerstone of her life. She was an active member of both Green Oak Baptist Church and Brushy Creek Baptist Church in Merryville, as well as a counselor for Campers on Mission. She encouraged those around her by sharing Scripture and praying for them, always offering the perfect Bible verse for any situation. Her prayers covered many family members during their hardest times, and her quiet strength and unwavering love brought comfort and hope to all who knew her.

To her many nieces and nephews, she was Aunt Jo — always smiling, soft-spoken, and full of gentle wisdom. Whether teaching vocabulary with playful puns like "Your epidermis is showing," creating special nicknames, or simply being a steady, safe place during their childhood adventures, Aunt Jo made every moment feel special. She was their encourager, their safe harbor, and in many ways, their guardian angel.

Carolynn was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Malcolm Sharp; her parents, Stella Swilley Watson and Alvin Watson; and her siblings, Robert Lynch, Barbara Gibson, and Kay Broussard. She is survived by her two sons, Mac Sharp and Marty Sharp; her sister, Julia Porter; and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family, and dear friends who will continue to carry her love in their hearts.

Services to celebrate Carolynn’s life will be held at Myers-Colonial Funeral Home in DeRidder, Louisiana, at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 14, 2025. Visitation will begin at 12:00 p.m. Burial will follow at Bivens Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Dry Creek Baptist Camp, 8237 LA-113, Dry Creek, LA 70637, or online at www.drycreek.net.

Though her absence leaves a deep ache, her family takes comfort in knowing that she is reunited with her loved ones in Heaven, and that her legacy of faith, kindness, and unconditional love will continue to shine brightly in the lives she touched.