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Carolyn Ward Phillips, age 89, passed away Sunday, October 2, 2022, at Bainbridge Health & Rehab surrounded by family.  Services for Mrs. Phillips will be held at 11:00 am, Friday, October 7, at the Cadwell Chapel of Cox Funeral Home.  The Rev. Harold Burrell will officiate.  Interment will follow in Oak City Cemetery.  J. W. Putnal, III, Clint Putnal, Franklin Gunderman, Hunter Bennett, Conner Willis, Tim Cook, and Trevor Cook will serve as pallbearers.   The family will receive friends one hour before the service, beginning at 10:00.

Carolyn Faye Ward was born March 27, 1933, in Tallahassee, Florida.  Her parents, Fred H. Ward and Sarah Louise Johnson Ward, have preceded her in death.  Carolyn’s family moved to Bainbridge, Georgia when she was a small child, and thereafter was a lifelong resident.  Carolyn married Joseph W. Putnal, Sr.  She and J. W. shared their lives and raised their children together for 33 years.  Carolyn was always busy.  She and J. W. ran the Pixie Shop and owned Joe’s Shoes for many years.  She worked for Bainbridge State Hospital.  After retirement, she worked as a substitute teacher for the Decatur County School System.  She was a dedicated poll worker in Decatur County until her health declined.  Carolyn was a lifelong member of First Baptist Church of Bainbridge.  She loved to sing and enjoyed being part of the Saints Alive choir.  Carolyn found love a second time and married Raymond L. Phillips of Colquitt, Georgia.  Carolyn loved her community and was very civic minded.  She was a member of and served many offices in the Pilot Club, the Ladies Auxiliary of the American Legion, the D.A.R., and the U.D.C., and was a member of the Decatur County Historical Society.   Carolyn loved to travel with Raymond, and her family and friends after his death.     Carolyn’s family was her heart.  She loved being with her children and grandchildren.  Carolyn was a wonderful cook and known for her pound cake and banana pudding, a favorite of the grandchildren.   A loving, precious lady with captivating blue eyes, and a sweet smile, she will be deeply missed by her many friends and loving family.

Carolyn Ward Phillips is survived by her children, Joe W. Putnal. Jr. (Patty) of Bainbridge, Gary W. Putnal (Cindy) of Lake Seminole, Georgia, Paula P. Grollman (Jody), and Gina P. Griffin (Tim), all of Bainbridge.  She dearly loved her grandchildren, Kim Williams (Hank), Tim Cook, Trevor Cook          (Angie), J. W. Putnal, III, Nicole Maxwell (Richard), Britt Bennett (Cliff), Kristi Longshore (Jordon), Clint Putnal (Cierra), Glee Alexander (Chip), Michael Singletary (Jody), Jennifer Brock (Charles), and Franklin Gunderman; 35 great-grandchildren; 4 great-great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews; and, not to be forgotten, her special fur-baby Brownie.  She was preceded in death by her parents, husbands, and sons, Keith D. Putnal and Mike E. Putnal.

Mrs. Phillips’ family extends their heartfelt appreciation to the nursing home staff at Bainbridge Heath & Rehab for the kindness, loving care and friendship given to our mother.  Also, our sincere gratitude to Kindred Hospice for the care and compassion shown to our mother in her last few months of life, and for the support given to the family.  And, last but no means least, we are grateful to our mother’s faithful roommate, Mrs. Helen Dunlap, who was so diligent in looking out for her.

If anyone would like to honor her memory with a memorial donation, the family suggests you consider the Bainbridge-Decatur County Humane Society, 1250 Cox Avenue, Bainbridge, GA 39819.

On-line condolences may be sent at www.Coxfuneral.net.  Cox Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.