Carolyn Ruth Osborne Reeder

Carolyn Ruth Osborne Reeder, 83, of Trussville, Alabama passed away Saturday, October 19, 2024 at Ascension St. Vincent's East Hospital in Trussville. She was born May 18, 1941 to William Jennings Bryan and Ruth (O'Bryan) Osborne. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother Jennings Osborne of Little Rock, Arkansas.

Carolyn was raised in Fort Smith, Arkansas and met the love of her life, Van, while studying elementary education at the University of Arkansas. They were married in 1961 and just celebrated 63 years of marriage in September. She finished her undergraduate degree at Henderson State University and later earned her Master of Education at the University of Arkansas. She and Van settled in the Fort Smith/Greenwood area where they raised their three children, Van, Lynnette, and Bryan.

Education was a top priority for Carolyn. Although she was most known as a first grade teacher in the Greenwood school system, she also developed a kindergarten program at Haven Heights Baptist Church in Fort Smith and taught English to Vietnamese refugees at Fort Chaffee. She taught almost every grade level from kindergarten through sixth grade, and continued substitute teaching after retirement. She made it her goal to ensure every student in her classroom achieved their full potential. Carolyn was also a faithful member of First Baptist Church of Greenwood, where she taught Sunday School, played the piano for worship services and formed life-long friendships.

Carolyn and Van retired in Trussville, Alabama, where they became active members of First Baptist Church of Trussville. She was a devoted member of the Joy Sunday School Class. Retirement brought time for Carolyn to pour her energy into her grandchildren. She planned Grandma Camp and Christmas celebrations and attended countless ballgames, plays, musicals, voice and dance recitals, school programs and graduations. Her grandchildren were her pride and joy.

An avid reader, Carolyn loved working crossword puzzles as well as any other type of word or number puzzle. She was continually learning and teaching others. Whether it was a history lesson, science project, writing, or sewing, she was always teaching and always ready to proof assignments for her grandchildren. She always kept on hand a supply of arts and crafts and her custom mixed Grandma Snacks. She enjoyed tending to her garden and catching up with friends.

Carolyn is survived by her husband, Van Reeder Sr of Trussville, Alabama; son, Van Reeder Jr of Vestavia Hills, Alabama (Rhonda), daughter, Lynnette Reeder Black of Eden Prairie, Minnesota (Sherman) and son, Bryan Reeder of Mead, Colorado (Angela); grandchildren, Austin Reeder (Rachel), Lauren Reeder Gamble (Forrest), Harrison Black (Megan), Colton Black, Faith Black, Sara Jo Reeder, Michael Reeder and David Reeder; and 6 great grandchildren, Charlee, Georgia, Beau, Nolan, Henry and Harvey.

A graveside service will be held at Jefferson Memorial Gardens in Trussville on Friday, November 29, 2024 at 12:00pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider a donation to First Baptist Church Trussville Joy Sunday School Class.

Arrangements are under the direction of Jefferson Memorial Funeral Homes and Gardens in Trussville, Alabama.