Carolyn Ruth Arnold Perry was born on June 12, 1946, in Cleveland, OH to the late Artis Arnold and Jessie Mae Thompson Arnold. She departed this life on Monday, September 2, 2024, peacefully at home surrounded by loved ones. Carolyn was preceded in death by her brother, Otis Arnold. We are grateful to have been in her life and rejoice in knowing she is now with her Heavenly Father.

Carolyn attended the public schools of Cleveland and graduated from Glenville High School in 1964. She had a natural passion for learning and valued having a great education. She matriculated to Cuyahoga Community College and graduated with an Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Education. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Home Economics from Howard University and a Master's Degree in Special Education from North Carolina Central University.

Carolyn joined Bethany Baptist Church in Cleveland, OH, at an early age, remaining a reverent member into adulthood. Upon moving to North Carolina, she became a faithful member of the First Congregational Church in Raleigh, NC, and studied diligently the Word of God at Bible Study Fellowship (BSF).

Carolyn was united in Holy Matrimony to Cary M. Perry on June 22, 1974, and remained married until her death, for 50 years. To this union one daughter was born: Jessica Leigh (or Sessy affectionately called by her mother).

Carolyn fiercely believed that all children should receive and education regardless of their background. She devoted her time and talents to teaching her beloved students whom she cherished deeply. Her career in education lasted over 41 years, starting as a teacher with Hanna Perkins Center for Child Development (Cleveland, OH) Wake County Public School System, and as an Education Consultant with the Department of Public Instruction of North Carolina.

Carolyn has a beautiful and kind heart that showed in everything she did. She was loyal, respected, and very dedicated to those she loved and befriended. She was tremendously active within her community as a member of the Senior Choir, the Lend-A-Hand Fellowship ministries, as well as serving as a Girl Scout Troop Leader and devoted member of Las Amigas Incorporated. She served with a guiding smile, song, prayer, and hearty wisdom filled conversation with her Sunday School and Vacation Bible School students. She always shared a joke to make all she assisted feel at ease and safe. She also assisted seniors and the Sick and Shut-In residents of Wake County.

Her life and legacy will live on through her loving and committed husband Cary; beloved daughter Jesi (Raleigh, NC); siblings Avis Arnold and Artis Arnold Jr. (Cleveland, OH); sisters-in-law Barbara P. Rivers (Knightdale, NC); and Linda R Arnold (Maple Heights, OH); brother-in-law Lee A. Perry (Silver Spring, MD). She also leaves to mourn a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, colleagues, and students.

Visitation: 11:00 am - 12:00 pm on Saturday, September 21, 2024, at First Congregational Church in Raleigh, NC.

Memorial service will be held 12:00 pm on Saturday, September 21, 2024, at First Congregational Church, 2410 Creech Road in Raleigh, NC 27610.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to First Congregational Church scholarship fund 2410 Creech Rd in Raleigh, NC 27610