Carolyn Gillen Roberts' Obituary
Carolyn Gillen Roberts was born in Jacksonville, Florida on February 24, 1930. She passed away peacefully on December 23, 2023 at the Oak Hammock Skilled Nursing Facility. Carolyn grew up in Jacksonville, attending Robert E. Lee High School and later at the Florida State University. During her earlier years, Carolyn worked in two florist shops which stimulated her interest in flower arrangements.
Later, Carolyn married A. Hood Roberts, who predeceased her in 2005. She raised her two sons who have survived her, J. Hood Roberts, and Miles R. Roberts, who went on to become an attorney and a college professor, respectively.
After raising her family, Carolyn became an editor and later a managing editor of two legal publications in Washington, D.C. While a managing editor of the Research Institute of America, Payroll Guide, she received the prestigious Special Friend of Payroll Award from the American Payroll Association.
After moving to Gainesville in 1996 Carolyn and her husband joined Holy Trinity Episcopal Church. She was involved in a flower ministry, whereby on Mondays she would breakdown the altar flowers and rearrange them into smaller arrangements to be delivered to the various congregants who were unable to attend the church service. She was also instrumental in selecting the flowers and wreaths adorning the church on Easter and Christmas. Using her editing skills, Carolyn also helped to edit a number of Church publications.
Carolyn was also involved with several civic organizations in Gainesville. She was elected as President of the Board at the Thomas Center on two occasions. Carolyn was also a member and participant in the Gainesville Women’s Club and in the Gainesville Garden Club.
A Memorial Service will be held for Carolyn Roberts on Friday, January 26, 2024 at 10:00 am at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in Gainesville.
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