Carolyn Chambers Houy

January 03, 1940 - November 22, 2016

Obituary For Carolyn Chambers Houy

Carolyn Chambers Houy, age 76, passed away on November 22, 2016 at her home in Raleigh, NC. Carolyn was born in Birmingham, Alabama to the late James Frank and Dorothy Mae Chambers.

Carolyn was the quintessential mother to Carolyn & Dottie. She was known to everyone as “Mama." A wife & animal lover, adventurer, Carolyn’s beautiful brave spirit, brought joy to the world wherever she went and she never lost her pure heart to see the world through childlike eyes. She loved to travel and was delighted to visit her favorite destinations, France and Italy. This love of travel stemmed from her career as a flight attendant back in the glory days of travel from 1961-1964. She worked as a bridal consultant at Henri Bendel in New York City.

Carolyn took great pride & joy in her Raleigh home, since 1991. Mama’s kind soul & Southern charm, breathed life into every part of it. Carolyn's sparkling glow lit it up & made it a cozy refuge, filled to overflowing with her loving heart.

Her life was deeply enriched with the 4-pawed, that she loved so very much & she knew that they are God’s caring earthly angels, with unconditional love.

Carolyn was proud member of Theta Kappa Delta at the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa and was presented at the Holiday Assembly and the Redstone Club. She took pleasure in viewing her alma-mater Alabama’s football games, with her namesake, Carolyn. Mama attended Alabama, when legendary Coach “Bear” Bryant was there & she also loved Coach Nick Saban.

Carolyn said that “She brought Carolyn & Dottie up, to be citizens of the world.” Mama’s finishing school included the arts, sports, history, great literature & music. Carolyn loved Beethoven’s 7th Symphony & she toured Beethoven’s Home in Bonn, during her college days. Mama & Dottie visited The Bronte Parsonage, in Haworth, England & she most identified with the poem from Emily Bronte, “No Coward Soul Is Mine.”

Mama also loved Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s “The Song Of Hiawatha” & “The Children’s Hour.” She took Carolyn, Dottie & Clint to the Longfellow House in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Mama, Carolyn & Dottie, took a composer pilgrimage, to Verdi, Puccini, Toscanini, Donizetti, Stradivarius in 2001, that was a trip of a lifetime. Puccini’s Grand-Daughter, Simonetta Puccini, took them on a private tour of Giacomo Puccini’s House at Torre Del Lago. Carolyn adored “A Christmas Carol,” by Charles Dickens. In 2002, she & Dottie & Carolyn, had the honor, of visiting Dickens House, in London, where their friend, Gerald Dickens, took them on a private tour of his Great-Great Grandfather’s home.

She taught Dottie & Carolyn, that when you leave a room, “Leave them laughing” & that “Kindness, is the greatest trait you can have” & to “Be kind to your fellow man.” Carolyn's heart was filled with gratitude. She never missed a moment, to say a heartfelt “Thank you.” Mama particularly loved the scene in “A Christmas Carol,” when Albert Finney sings, “Thank You Very Much.” That defined who she was. A splendid spirit, with an “attitude of gratitude.” She had as Martin Luther King said, “A heart full of grace & a soul generated by love.” Carolyn taught her girls that it’s important to make memories & that as she said, “It’s the paw prints you leave behind."

Carolyn’s deep faith has been a cornerstone in her life since she was a child. When her health would dim, her spirit was still light-bright & warmed anyone, who had the profound pleasure of her presence. Carolyn loved the painting of Christ in St. Paul’s Cathedral, of “The Light Of The World,” by Holman Hunt. She took Carolyn & Dottie to see “The Light Of The World” in London in 1984 & again, in 2002. Carolyn always said, “Let your light so shine.” Her light is eternally effervescent.

Carolyn is survived and will be dearly missed by her husband Clint, and two daughters Dottie and Carolyn Houy, both of Raleigh, NC. She will also be missed by her cherished cats Mitten, Misha and Luca.

A private burial will take place at Historic Oakwood Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to her beloved polar bear exhibit at the NC Zoo, Carolyn had a special place in her heart for these majestic souls with paws. http://store.nczoo.com/p-295-adopt-a-polar-bear.aspx

Services

TBD

Cemetery

Historic Oakwood Cemetery 701 Oakwood Ave Raleigh, NC 27601 Get Directions »

by Obituary Assistant

Photos & Video

Photos

Add New Photos & Video

Condolences

September 01, 2020

kathy

Dear Carolyn and Dottie, What an amazing life Mama led! The saying, "Don't let the grass grow under one's feet" comes to mind when I think of her. She had an incredibly kind heart and how wonderful that you both "inherited" that from her. I will always think of Mama when I go out and about in London with barely any sleep because I don't want to miss out on what life has to offer. God bless you all. With much love, Kathy Houghtaling
September 01, 2020

Jeff Brown

Dear Family; I've lit a candle for your dear mother while in London, at the statue of the Blessed Mother inside Holy Trinity Brompton//The Oratory of Saint Philip Neri. Please know that my mom dad in Michigan have had your dear "Mama" in their thoughts and prayers since last week. We are all so sorry for your loss. His blessings be to you - and to those you love. Most Sincerely, Jeff Brown
September 01, 2020

susan meredith

Don and I embraced the Houy Family with all our hearts. Mama Carolyn was just an inspiration. So open and so full of joy. So generous and inventive. So valuable a human being. We treasured this relationship for over 40 years. I feel comfort in picturing Carolyn and Don together in Heaven, laughing, and watching over all of their loved ones. Heaven got a very special angel in Carolyn Houy on November 22. Susan Meredith, Santa Fe, New Mexico
September 01, 2020

Nancy H.

We loved seeing her every year at the Christmas tree lot. Her sweet smile brightened everyone's spirits and she will be greatly missed. We are so sorry for your family and will be thinking & praying for you in the coming weeks and months. Curtis and Nancy
September 01, 2020

Carol T Vaness

Carol Loved Carolyn and the girls with all her heart. She will keep them in her prayers forever. Mama was the soul of music and she will be loved forever by Carol Vicki and Cynthia.
September 01, 2020

Carol T Vaness

Lit a candle in memory of Carolyn Chambers Houy
September 01, 2020

Sheila Daughtry

Lit a candle in memory of Carolyn Chambers Houy
September 01, 2020

Heather

Lit a candle in memory of Carolyn Chambers Houy