Carolyn Doyle Weiss

Carolyn Doyle Weiss

Carolyn Doyle Weiss, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully in Decatur, Georgia, on September 4, 2026, at the age of 97. She will be remembered for her spunky spirit, generous heart, unwavering faith, and the love she so freely gave to her family and friends.

Carolyn walked faithfully with God throughout her life and was a member of only two churches. She was enrolled in the Cradle Roll at Inman Park Baptist Church and married the love of her life, Melvin, there in 1952. In 1963, Carolyn and Melvin moved their membership to First Baptist Church of Decatur, where she remained a faithful and active member for the rest of her life.

Her faith was not simply something she professed; it was woven into the way she lived. At First Baptist Decatur, Carolyn served others in many ways. She welcomed members and visitors through the Welcome Committee, helped provide for those in need through the Clothing Room, and enthusiastically offered ideas for outings with the Young at Heart group. She quietly found ways to make a difference and was always ready to serve wherever she was needed.

A proud native of Atlanta, Carolyn loved her city and its history. After graduating from Girls High School of Atlanta, she began her career as a secretary, and a fine one she was. She worked for the State Merit System and later served as a secretary for the Georgia House of Representatives during seven sessions of the Georgia General Assembly after her three children entered school. In 1978, she returned to the workforce at Halco Instruments, Inc., at Emory, where she worked both full-time and part-time for 15 years.

Carolyn's secretarial talents also allowed her to play a small but meaningful role in Atlanta history. When the historic Fox Theatre was threatened with demolition, she took the minutes for meetings led by prominent Atlanta historian Franklin Garrett as the group worked to "Save the Fox." She was always proud to have helped preserve a treasured landmark in the city she loved.

Carolyn was also an avid Atlanta Braves fan who faithfully watched the games and cheered for her team. Baseball became a beloved part of her everyday life.

Carolyn and Melvin shared a beautiful life together, raising two sons and a daughter. They lived life to the fullest and created wonderful memories with their children and friends, both at home and while traveling. In their later years, they traveled the world, but her favorite destination was always the Gulf Coast. Even last year, she traveled to the beach with four generations of her family, happily bouncing along the sand in her beach buggy wheelchair.

She loved to dance, and she and Melvin enjoyed showing off their moves at square dances, round dances, and especially at their grandchildren's weddings. Her greatest joy, however, was being surrounded by the people she loved. Carolyn treasured family gatherings and delighted in opening her home and bringing everyone together around the table. She was an excellent Southern cook who set a beautiful table for the many celebrations she hosted. The walls of her home were filled with treasured family photographs and beautiful paintings by her oldest son, Gary. She also loved relaxing beside a warm fire.

In her later years, Carolyn found great joy in living in a Decatur retirement community alongside two of her high school friends and the woman who had been her first next-door neighbor after she and Melvin married. They remained the best of friends, and being together again after so many years was a wonderful blessing. Carolyn was always ready to share a story from her life in her slow Southern drawl, and whether it was an ordinary day or a holiday celebration, she was consistently considered the "best dressed."

Carolyn took great pride in her family. She is survived by her sons, Gary (Lelayne) Weiss and Darrell Weiss; her daughter, Brenda (Bob) Weaver; her seven grandsons, Bradley (Katie) Weaver, Trent (Kendra) Weaver, Leighton (Hallie) Weaver, Austin (Kelita) Weiss, Brent (Sara) Weiss, Derrick (Van) Weiss, and Mitchell (Bridgellyn) Weiss; and her eight great-grandchildren, Jacob, Anna Kate, Emma Grace, Reynolds, Mary Frances, Mamie, Brent, and Charlie. She is also survived by extended family members and many dear friends.

Carolyn leaves behind a beautiful legacy of faith, kindness, generosity, family, and love. Her family will forever cherish her warm welcome, faithful presence, love of Atlanta and the Braves, wonderful stories, travels, dancing, cooking, and, most of all, the extraordinary way she loved her family.

A celebration of Carolyn's life will be held at A.S. Turner & Sons at 1:00 p.m. on September 9, 2026, with Rev. Mark Green and Terri Byrd officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home beginning at noon. Interment will follow at Arlington Memorial Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor Carolyn's memory may make a contribution to First Baptist Church of Decatur, 308 Clairemont Avenue, Decatur, Georgia 30030.

"Well done, good and faithful servant."
Matthew 25:23