Carolyn Younger Gleaton, 92, of Gray, GA, passed away Monday, August 22, 2022. A graveside service will be held Thursday, August 25, 2022, at 12:00 p.m. at Gwinnett Memorial Park, Lawrenceville, Georgia, with the Reverend Ralph Hawkins officiating.
“Don’t worry be happy”
Born Carolyn Ruth Younger on October 30th, 1929, the day before the stock market crashed. Carolyn was the first of two girls born to William Herndon Younger and Eva Ruth Younger in Huntington West Virginia. She earned a bachelor's degree in Psychology from Marshal University during a time when less than 1% of women attended college. She was truly a maverick for her time. Carolyn went on to get her master’s and further studies from Georgia State and studied to be a Director of Christian Education at the Presbytery College in Norfolk Virginia. It was there she met at the Presbyterian church a dashing and charming young naval air force man named Jack Gleaton. They fell in love quickly, married, and then moved to Jack's hometown of Lawrenceville, GA. They started an egg farm and momma started teaching school. She taught for 24 years, most of it Kindergarten. She was beloved by her students, and it truly was her calling. Her husband Jack owned numerous businesses over the years and Momma helped with most. In the seventies, Jack opened a pet store which meant dozens of pets at home that Carolyn raised along with three children and taught school all the while. In 1980 the family moved to Gray, Georgia. She and her husband were very active in their church, traveled several times a year in their motor home, and lived a very happy life together into retirement. She was a huge advocate for women, wildlife conservation groups, the environment, and the less fortunate whenever possible. She truly lived her Christian faith.
But mostly what she will be remembered for is lightness and genuine kindness. Momma used to burst into song suddenly, anywhere. She was still singing “Winnie the Pooh” just mere days ago. Her songs may have seemed a strange choice to many, but years of teaching kindergarten had given her an innocence that most of us lose very early. She wore a smile on her face that made you feel good to be around her. Her husband of 69 years died one year and seven days before her. Momma closed her eyes for the last time on August 21st. She missed her best friend and the love of her life and was ready to see him again. Momma, we can still hear you singing, “Don’t worry, be happy”. We will try…We love and miss you Momma.
Carolyn was preceded in death by her husband, Edward Jackson "Jack" Gleaton, Jr.
Carolyn is survived by her children, Sallie Spain (Mark) of Dunwoody, Georgia, Dannie Gleaton Fowler of Orlando, Florida, and Edward Jackson Gleaton, III (Nicole) of Macon; grandchildren, Sean Spain, Katie Spain Romeo (A.J.), Jonathan Fowler, Annabelle Fowler, Christopher Fowler, Edward Jackson Gleaton, IV, and Abigail Gleaton; and great-grandchild Alex Romeo.
Please visit www.hartsmort.com to express condolences.
Hart’s Jones County Chapel, Hart's Mortuary and Cremation Center, 307 Pecan Lane, Gray, GA 31032 has charge of the arrangements.
To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Carolyn Younger Gleaton, please visit our Tree Store.