Carolyn Louise Givens

Carolyn Louise Worthy, 75, of Columbus, Ohio, passed away on Wednesday, September 16, 2026. She was a beacon of strength, love, and spirited guidance to everyone who knew her.

Born December 30, 1950, to Nathanial "Pawpaw" and Mable "Mawmaw" (Triplett) Worthy, Sr., Carolyn was the oldest living sister among her seven siblings: Sharon Worthy Ambler, Fern (Magellan) Moore, Annette (Terry) Whitesides, Drake (Treneise) Worthy, Steven (Carla) Worthy, and Myra (Raymond) Worthy. As the matriarch, she lived up to the role-bossy, yes, but deeply respected and fiercely loved. When she sent her nieces and nephews to the store on errands, she always tucked in extra money so they could get something for themselves. That was Carolyn: generous with her resources and her heart.

Carolyn graduated from East High School in Columbus. Her life's work was rooted in care: she was a dedicated childcare provider whose warmth and patience shaped countless young lives. Most importantly, she was there for her own grandchildren-Kendrake Johnson, Antonio Givens, Tanijah Dinkins, and T'Kylah Dinkins-providing the loving support that allowed her daughters to pursue their own paths. She was a woman of precision and standards, keeping an immaculate home with perfectly matched furniture and decor. That same commitment to excellence and cleanliness was a legacy she passed on to her children-a gift of discipline wrapped in love.

Carolyn lived intentionally. She wrote everything down-her Amazon lists, her tasks, her plans-and checked them off with satisfaction as she moved through her days. She had an eye for the finer things: jewelry, nail polish, the little luxuries that brought her joy. In her free time, she channeled that same precision into diamond painting, coloring, and decorating-creative outlets that brought her peace. Her best friends, Paulette Willis, Carolyn Daniels, and Tyrone Lewis knew her heart intimately and cherished the bond they shared.

A woman of faith, Carolyn was baptized at Mt. Zion under Elder Palmer, where her spiritual foundation strengthened her through all seasons.

She is survived by her daughters, Charmain and Charletta Givens; her bonus daughter, Tammy Hampton; her four grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and a host of loving nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Nathanial Worthy, Jr.; sisters, Gena (Willie) Harrell and Cathy (Allen) Rouse; and nephew, Nathanial Worthy III.

Those who knew her will forever remember her signature greeting: "Hey boo." It was her way of saying you mattered.