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Died December 28, 2012, peacefully at home after a lengthy illness. She was a wonderful mother, teacher, counselor and grandmother. She was 92 years old and was born in Shelby, Mississippi, on September 29, 1920. She lived in Bolton, Mississippi, until 1940 when she moved with her mother to Baton Rouge where she has resided since. Carolyn graduated from All Saints in Vicksburg, Mississippi, attended Hinds Junior College in Raymond, Mississippi and Mississippi College for Women and graduate Cum Laude from Louisiana State University with a degrees in music and education. She was a member of Chi Omega Sorority and several honor societies. She taught at Goodwood Elementary School for 14 years before accepting a position as counselor in Junior Division at Louisiana State University. She served as head of counselors until her retirement in 1982. She has been a member of First Presbyterian Church for over seventy years. Carolyn was preceded in death by her parents, Carrie Pemble Gillespie and Mark Alexander Gillespie; and her husband Benton Sterling Abernethy, Jr. Carolyn is survived by two sons Benton Sterling Abernethy III and Mark Gillespie Abernethy and his wife Janet F. Abernethy of Baton Rouge; a grandson, Benton Sterling Abernethy IV of Auburn, Alabama, Marshall Ann Bourgeois, cousin and best friend. The Abernethys would like to give thanks to our special friend Esther Thomas and her family, Dorothy Long, staff of Baton Rouge Eldercare and the staff and nurses of Hospice of Baton Rouge and the following friends and health professionals, Dr. Lori Byrd, Dr. Richard Atkins, Dr. Andrew Rees, Dr. Patrick Gahan and Terry Sanders. Visitation will be at First Presbyterian Church from 10:00 AM until noon Wednesday, January 2nd. Funeral Services will be conducted at noon by the Reverend Dick Gates with interment at Resthaven Gardens of Memory. Pallbearers will be Benson S. Abernethy IV, Alan Andries, Nick Garner, Robert B. McCall, Tate Parker, Mark R. Smith and Stephen M. Smith. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First Presbyterian Church, Presbyterian Women's Scholarship Fund, 701 North Blvd., Box 2006, Baton Rouge, LA 70821, or to Hospice of Baton Rouge, 9063 Siegen Lane, Suite A, Baton Rouge, LA 70810. Rabenhorst Funeral Home, 825 Government Street, is in charge of arrangements.
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Sterling and Mark when I moved down the street from your parents it was a pleasure knowing them. They were so warm and loving. Mrs. Abernethy was an inspiration. Mrs. Abernethy and I became good friends through the friendship of my son, Jeffrey and Benton. I could always look to her for advise. I have fond memories that I will treasure forever. My prayers are with all of you at this sad time.
Debbie Chatelain
January 2, 2013
Mark,
My family and myself is extending our deepest sympathy for you and your family. I hope that peace and comfort come to you and yours in your time of need. It was great knowing a person like you.
Mary "Mary B." Belezaire
January 2, 2013
Mark, I know that this day will be a glorious home coming celebration for you mom! She has already beenMark, I know that this day will be a glorious home coming celebration for you mom! She has already been enlisted in the Heavenly choir singing and praising the Lord! I hope that my son loves me and takes care of me like you did your mom! She must have been s special lady to have raised such a wonderful son! My prayers are will you and your family. In Christ, Patrice Saucier
January 2, 2013
Mark, your mother was such a lovely, sweet lady. You and your family are in my prayers.
Jane Hall Harmon
January 2, 2013
Mark and Sterling, we send you our deepest condolences upon the loss of your mother. Carolyn was one of our very favorite people. Unfortunately I am unable to attend the services. I will be admitted Wednesday morning for heart surgery in New Orleans. Carrie and I have you in our thoughts and prayers.
Harold Parker
January 1, 2013
Mrs. Abernathy was my fourth grade teacher in 1951-52 at Goodwood. She was one of my favorite teachers in the class room and out of it. She had a beautiful voice and played baseball with us in her front yard after school. I thank God she blessed me as my 4th grade teacher.
Hank Strauss
January 1, 2013
My memories of Mrs. Abernethy involve the best year of my life in elementary school (Goodwood) and many visits after that.She was loving and kind always. My heartfelt condolences to Mark, Sterling and your families.
Debbie Reese Armstrong
January 1, 2013
I have SO many special memories of Mrs. Abernethy having grown up around the corner from their house. What an outstanding person to know and love. Mark and Sterling have loved and tended to their parents above and beyond. No wonder Mrs. Abernethy had such a glow to her eyes when she talked about her loving family.
Myra Kay Talley
January 1, 2013
My condolences to the family: The thoughts of many are with you at this time. Draw close to God in prayer, and the Bible assures us that "he himself will sustain you."
Donner Fontenot
January 1, 2013
Extending sincere condolences to Sterling and family on the loss of your Mom. You remain in our thoughts and prayers.
Sharon & Tommy Zito
January 1, 2013
Carolyn was the most caring and generous person I have ever known. Because of her I was able to achieve significant goals in my life.She will make heaven a better place.
Patty Price Jackson
December 31, 2012
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Rabenhorst Funeral Home & Crematory - Downtown825 Government Street, Baton Rouge, LA 70802
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