Carrie's golden voice is now silent. The voice grew silent this November 23rd. The wondrous voice lifting the spirits of so many in our community will no longer be heard on this side. But, on the other side, the voice continues. As it must be, our heavy loss is heaven's gain.

As a young child, Carrie united with Dixie Baptist Church under the pastorate of Reverend George Bridges. Her Christian education and spiritual growth continued under the guidance of Reverend I. W. Norsworthy and Reverend Barry Keys. She served as choir director of her beloved church for well over 30 years. Her cousin, Tat Hadnot, made her choir director and told her, "Never give it up." She held true to his directive. Carrie was an integral part of the church and the church family. No task was too large or small for her to do. She devoted her time and talent to the church's various departments which included: Mission Circle No 2, Family and Friend Committee, Hospitality Committee, Finance Committee, and Building Fund Visionary. Sharing her Christian gifts, Carrie served as Vice-President of the city-wide singing Convention under the direction of Mrs. Marion Moore. Carrie also served the Lone Star District Association as Choir President under Moderator I.W. Norsworthy.

As with most young children in the Dixie community, Carrie began her formative education at George Washington Carver School. She completed her secondary education at J. H. Rowe High School, graduating with the class of 1963. Continuing her education, she attended Erma Hughes Business College.

Carrie's working career was varied. Interested in the healthcare field, Carrie was employed by Methodist Hospital in Houston, Texas, and Doctor's Clinic here in Jasper. Carrie was employed by the Jasper Independent School District as a Librarian Assistant. She retired after 25 years of service to the district, faculty and students at JH Rowe Elementary and Parnell Elementary Schools. Upon her retirement from Jasper ISD, Carriewas presented with a treasured school bell acknowledging her contribution to the education of the students under her tutelage.

Upon retiring from Jasper ISD, Carrie's career took a new path. Following her late mother's legacy, Mrs. Caroline Phillips, she became a Family Funeral Attendant for Coleman's Mortuary Inc. She was fondly known as "Mrs. Carrie" in the Jasper Community and surrounding areas. Carrie was an integral part of Coleman's Mortuary for over a decade. Her smile, encouraging touch, whisper in the ear, and comforting look made one of life's most devastating times a little more bearable. She will be sorely missed by Coleman's Mortuary Staff and the families they serve.

In uniting in marriage with Cleveland Shelby, Jr., Carrie stated she got the best-packaged deal possible with the addition of another son, Idris, Cleveland's son, in her life. She brought a warm, loving parentage to Idris. She thought of him as a second son and brother to Wayland; he thought of her as his mother.

Carrie was the only child born to the late Caroline Horn Hadnot Phillips and the late Gilley Hadnot. Also preceding her in death was her immensely talented daughter, LaQuetta Phillips, and her favorite uncle, R. C. Horn.

Left to treasure her memory are her loving husband, Cleve; beloved sons, Wayland Kirk (special friend, Catrina Key); Idris Shelby (Shauna); grandsons, Isaac, Trevon, Jacarian, Omarion, and Zarian; granddaughter, Lilliana; adopted brother, Wheldon Hadnot; adopted sister, Gloriece Mays; sisterly best friend, Mary Ann Domio; brothers-in-law, Percy Forward and Ronald Shelby; sister-law, Rita Shelby Cummings; her only aunt, Betty Shaw, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Carrie will always be remembered for her commitment to her Christian faith, love of her family, allegiance to her community, and devotion to the choir of Dixie Baptist Church.