Carolyn Yvonne Horton

January 12, 2025, heaven sent a love note to Carolyn Yvonne Williams Horton that it was time for her to enter life eternal. Carolyn entered life temporal March 28, 1961, as the eighth-born child of the Rev. James P. Williams, Sr. and Rev. Lillie Earline Olds Williams. A graduate of Oscar Smith High School, she most notably dedicated her vocation to serving kids in the Chesapeake Public School system for years until her health declined. 

The daughter of a Baptist pastor, Carolyn received Jesus as Lord and Savior at a young age and considered God’s church a part of the fabric of her life. She went on to serve faithfully over the years in various ministries including Jerusalem United Holy Church, under the pastorate of Bishop Hiawatha Pierce, Jr; First Pentecostal United Holy Church, under the pastorates of Bishop A. Ray and Rev. Christina Rouson; and Shekinah Glory Outreach Ministries (now known as The Place of Change), founded by her sister Christina Rouson. In 2013, she accepted her call to the gospel ministry, preached her initial sermon, and served faithfully as a Priest of the Lord even amidst health challenges. 

Carolyn was a beloved sister, mother, aunt, niece, and friend who was known for her kind and tender heart, gentle words, infectious laugh, healing hands, beautiful artistic skills, and, yes, her cooking! She is remembered by others to be a spiritual, supportive, and safe space for the weary.  Her greatest pride and joy in life was her son Kevin Williams, whom she loved with her whole heart. In her later years, Carolyn was blessed to be joined in marriage to Deacon Robert Horton. 

Carolyn was preceded in death by her parents, Rev. James P. Williams, Sr., and Rev. Lillie Earline Williams, as well as siblings Rev. Brenda W. Gordon and Rev. James. P. Williams, Jr., Glenn Williams, Carlton Williams, and Rev. Christina W. Rouson. She leaves to cherish her memory her beloved husband, Robert Horton, her son, Kevin Williams (Amber), her brothers, David Williams and Sherman Williams; her three grandchildren, Dillan, Zachary, and Zoi, the Horton family, and a host of extended family and friends.