“To live for God’s glory and to walk in his truth,
brings peace to the aged and joy to the youth.
And at the end of life’s journey,
there’s His promised reward
of life everlasting in the House of the Lord.”
Carolyn Louise Clifton was born in Ohio County, Indiana on November 4, 1939, to William H. and Clara W. Martin. She departed this life peacefully at The Waters of Rising Sun Nursing Home in Rising Sun, Indiana surrounded by her loving family members on October 20, 2023, having reached the age of 83 years, 11 months, and 15 days. She was a dedicated student while attending Rising Sun elementary and high schools where she was a class officer and varsity cheerleader of the Class of 1957. She lived on Mulberry Street in Rising Sun with her parents, two brothers and two sisters until she moved to Indianapolis, IN.
On April 16, 1960, she married her lifelong sweetheart William “Bill” H. Clifton, Jr. Carolyn and Bill had known each other since they were three years old living on Mulberry Street in Rising Sun. They began their married life together in Speedway, Indianapolis. Carolyn was employed as an administrative assistant at the Indiana Statehouse while Bill was completing his senior year at Franklin College. Carolyn and Bill moved to South Poplar Street in Rising Sun, IN until their new home was built at 603 South High Street. Carolyn then began her 29-year career as an accounting clerk for the Ohio National Life Insurance Company in Cincinnati, OH.
Carolyn trusted and obeyed her Savior, Jesus Christ, and was a member of the Rising Sun Church of Christ. Her passions were her family and cheering for her children and grandchildren at various sporting events. In 1996 Bill & Carolyn purchased a “winter” home in High Point, Florida where they participated in many community events and enjoyed playing cards and golf with friends. During the last few years, Carolyn suffered from Alzheimer’s disease. Bill along with her daughter’s help, cared for her in their home until March 25, 2022, when Carolyn moved to the Waters of Rising Sun, IN.
Carolyn was preceded in death by her parents, brother Herchel Martin, sisters Opal Hurst and Jane Martin, and husband of 61 years, Bill Clifton. Carolyn is survived by son William “Trey” Clifton (Barbara), daughter Debra “Dee” Thies (Rob); Grandchildren Jennifer Thies Reed, Sarah Clifton McMullen (Greg), Justin Thies (Sammi), Leah Clifton Sinclair (Tyler). Ten great-grandchildren which she adored, Ayden Reed, Ayverie Reed, Trenton Thies, Austin Thies, Ava McMullen, Evie McMullen, Aycen Reed, Isla McMullen, Lily Sinclair and Trevor Sinclair; brother Charles Martin, sister-in-law Audrey Bovard (late Dick), niece Tammy Schwing (Scott), nephew Trevor Bovard (Micky); nieces and nephews.
We do not lose the ones we love,
They only go before
Where there is everlasting life;
Where sorrow and pain is no more.
There the soul will always live,
And peace is everywhere.
We do not lose the ones we love,
God takes them in his care.
Funeral services will be 11 AM, Thursday, October 26th at Rising Sun Church of Christ. Visitation will be 5-8 PM, Wednesday, October 25th at Markland Funeral Home in Rising Sun, IN. Memorial donations may be made to Rising Sun Church of Christ, Loving Hearts Hospice or The Waters of Rising Sun Activity Fund. marklandfuneralhome.com