Carolyn Marie Hamilton Gray, 85, of Hot Springs, Arkansas, transitioned peacefully on Friday, October 31, 2025. She was born on July 28, 1940, in Hope, Arkansas, the fourth of fifteen children born to Dan and Carney Hamilton.

She is preceded in death by her parents, her brother, John Hamilton, Willie (Wanda) Hamilton, George Hamilton, her Sisters, Edrene (Theopilous) McKnight, Jessie Bell (Ralph) Campbell, Maxine (David) Winley, and Ruby Mae (Floyd) Whitley, brother-in-love Marcell Todd, Son-in-love Chester Carrigan.

From an early age, Carolyn was surrounded by the warmth of family and a strong foundation of faith. She attended Hopewell Elementary and later graduated from Henry C. Yerger High School, where she became known for her kindness, resilience, and natural gift for cooking.

As a child, Carolyn found joy in singing in the choir at Bebee Memorial CME Church, her voice harmonizing beautifully in songs of praise. While she loved music, her most extraordinary talent shone in the kitchen. Cooking for her was more than a skill; it was an expression of love. She mastered the art of preparing meals that brought people together, from perfectly seasoned fried chicken and pork chops to cakes and pies that left lasting memories. Among her many recipes, her famous Hershey Bar Cake became a family favorite.

Carolyn enjoyed reading, watching Family Feud, and wearing her sunglasses indoors, adding her signature touch of personality wherever she went. But nothing brought her more joy than spending time with her family, especially relaxing on her front porch, affectionately known as "The Gallery," laughing and playing with her great-grandchildren.

A Lifetime of Compassion and Dedication

Carolyn held various jobs throughout her life before discovering her true calling in healthcare. Once she found her purpose, she dedicated 38 years of service as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), caring for residents at Hope Nursing Home and Heather Manor Nursing Home.

Her compassion, dedication, and gentle spirit made her beloved by both patients and coworkers. She took pride in her work, believing that caring for others was both a duty and a blessing. The lessons and stories she gathered from those she served remained with her, shaping her perspective on life and strengthening her heart for helping others

A New Chapter in Hot Springs

After retiring, Carolyn made a life-changing decision in 2007 to move to Hot Springs at the invitation of her daughter, Constance, and son-in-love, Chester Carrigan. Though she left the familiar behind, she embraced this new season of life with courage and faith.

She soon joined Union Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Rev. Douglas E. Jones. Carolyn quickly became a beloved and respected member of the congregation, later serving as a Mother of the Church on the Mother Board. In this role, she helped prepare communion, organized senior activities, mentored younger members, and shared words of encouragement with everyone she encountered. Whether through a kind word, a warm hug, or one of her home-cooked meals, she made sure everyone felt loved and valued.

Her compassion extended far beyond church walls. She became well-known throughout the Hot Springs community for her wisdom, humor, and ability to make anyone feel like family. Her door was always open, and her home was a haven of comfort and kindness.

A Faith That Never Wavered

Carolyn's faith was her anchor throughout life. After joining Union Missionary Baptist Church, she made the powerful decision to be baptized under the leadership of Pastor Corey D. Scott, a moment made even more special as she was baptized by her grandsons, Jarvis and Jonathan. It was a day she cherished deeply.

In 2022, Carolyn was diagnosed with cancer. Through faith, treatment, and God's grace, she was healed. In April 2024, she experienced new health challenges but continued to face them with strength and unwavering faith. Surrounded by family, she chose hospice care at home. She remained steadfast in spirit, still attending virtual services and even making it to the church building one final time on February 9, 2025.

Her perseverance and radiant smile reminded all who knew her that faith truly moves mountains.

A Legacy of Strength and Family

Carolyn's greatest pride and joy was her family. She was the loving mother of five children: Michal Gray, Kirk Gray, Sharon (Lacy) Griffith, Constance Carrigan, and John (Dea) Langston. She shared a close bond with her nieces and nephews, Carney Dorsey, Terri Whitley, and Floyd Whitley. She also cherished her siblings, especially her brother, Samuel C. (Betty) Hamilton of Silver Spring, Maryland, and her sister, Maslyn Todd of Detroit, Michigan. Her legacy continues through her 13 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren, and a host of grandchildren in love, all of whom were shaped by her love, guidance, and unshakable faith.

Carolyn's story is one of faith, family, and love, a woman whose presence brought comfort, whose words inspired, and whose meals always tasted like home. Her legacy will forever live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

A Time To Rejoice

The visitation will be held from 9 a.m. to noon at Carrigan Memorial Funeral Home, 336 E. Grand Ave. The funeral will be held on Wednesday, November 05, 2025, at Union Missionary Baptist Church, 219 Gulpha St., Hot Springs, AR 71901.

Her favorite scripture, Psalm 91, guided her life:

"He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty."

She finds comfort in songs and sayings like Yes, God Is Real, I Won't Complain, My Last Two Dollars, and Lord Have Mercy on Me.

She often advises the younger generation with simple yet powerful words: "Stay in church and keep a job."

You may sign the guest registry at http://www.carriganmemorial.com

Arrangements are entrusted to Carrigan Memorial Funeral Services