A First Memory from Sherry Harrell

I first met Carol at Peachtree Corners Baptist Church where Elisabeth attended preschool and kindergarten with Adam.  My first memory is of Carol smiling as I relayed to her how much Elisabeth talked about Adam.  I asked if Adam had older sisters, and Carol said he did.  I told her I was not surprised because I was finding that the boys with older sisters were good friends and, in general, kinder to the girls.  She graciously thanked me for speaking highly of him.  Our friendship began there and then.  And, no matter what, whenever I would run into her, she would always ask me about Elisabeth and I would always ask her about Adam.  She was and is such a sweet person!

Below is a picture of Elisabeth and Adam in the front row dressed up for the Hat Parade their kindergarten year.  Elisabeth was sure to position herself next to her friend, Adam...she still remembers this well, as do Carol and I.

Sherry Harrell

Note from the Yeghnazar's

I am so sad to say that as a relatively new PCS parent, I really did not know Carol as well as I now would have liked. I have heard so much wonderful stuff about her that I feel like I really could have learned a lot from her outlook on life and her Godly example.

That being said, I wanted to share just one simple email interaction that I had with her early on in the school year. I think it just sums up what a special person your wife and Mom was and especially how much she loved her kids and cared for all those kids at PCS. A bit of background: I am the prayer rep. in Audrey's class and had just sent out an email to all parents asking for their prayer requests. This is what your sweet Mom wrote:

Hi, Louise!

Thank you for praying for our class and the school.  You’ve got the most important parent job of the class!

Tomorrow when you are walking by the lockers & classrooms, would you please pray for the protection of the zeal & innocence our children have in Christ?  They are such a special group of kids.  I know that God has great plans for them!!

Thanks!

Carol

I'm sure, just like the rest of us, she wrote this on the run with a busy life and a hectic schedule. However, she clearly lived a life of intentionality knowing that Kingdom work is the most important of all.

God bless you all,

Louise Yeghnazar (Grace's Mom - 7th grade)

With love and prayers from David, Grace, Theo, Hope and Beata also)

Good friends...Good times

Looking through my photo album brought back several happy memories of times spent with Carol in high school and college ( we were room mates freshman year at Furman).  Many of the high school memories are of Young Life Campaigners-a small group of girls, many of whom remain friends today, studying the bible together with our fearless leader, Trudy.  

The picture of us in the bathroom was when the bus broke down on a ski trip to Colorado.  We were out in the middle of no where, but made the most of it, playing games, etc. while we waited hours for another bus.  So after being stuck for so long, when we finally got to a fast food restaurant, some of us wanted to wash our hair in the sink and blow it dry (we were teenage girls after all).  We got in trouble with the YL leaders for this.  

The beach picture is also a YL Campaigners trip.  So many good times during those care-free years.  We were a close knit group because of our shared faith in God.  We also went to the beach our senior year after graduation and stayed in 2 condos with a large group of girls- WITHOUT any adults! Now that I have teenagers myself, I can't believe our parents let this happen!  But, hey, we were such good kids that they trusted us. We had a grand time and nobody got hurt or arrested.  

I also have fond memories of our group of friends dancing on New Year's Eve each year in high school with the Sharbel family at a club.  Mr. Sharbel was a wonderful dancer and taught all of us girls how to dance.  We had several adults that invested in the lives of this group of teenage girls, and I am so thankful for that.  

The picture of people in costumes was on Halloween at Furman.  I can't remember what Carol was supposed to be.  She was a wonderful room mate.  She was a social butterfly and I was very shy, so I relied on her a lot to meet people.  I remember a time when we went on a double date, and when the guys asked us, it wasn't clear who was supposed to be which guy's date.  We spent the whole evening trying to figure out who to sit with in the car, at dinner, etc.  I don't think we ever did figure it out!  Those guys are still friends.  I should ask them.

My mother passed away between my freshman and sophomore year in college, and once again Carol was there for me, helping me make it through that year of school.  I have often thought, as we've kept up with each other over the years and spent time together at Furman homecomings, how proud I am of the wonderful mother/wife/friend Carol turned out to be.  I miss her cute laugh a lot, and will always miss her friendship.  Though we yearn for her to still be here with us, I know she is with her Lord, and nothing can be better than that.

Janet Smith Fowler

A thank you note -- from Kay?

We moved into the Sylvester's neighborhood just before my twins were born. Carol called frequently to check on us and right after the twins were born, she delivered a delicious meal. With her beautifully packaged Chicken Piccata dinner, Carol thoughtfully included a pre-written thank you note that read, 

Dear Carol,

Thank you for the meal. It was delicious!

Love, Kay

She had already addressed and put a stamp on the envelope. She made me promise to send the note and know that the thank you was done. This was one of many ways that Carol blessed me with her humor, wisdom and authenticity.

We all miss her!
Kay Lee 

Prayer Warrior

Mom was a strong spiritual leader. I (Anna) actually came into a personal relationship with Christ through my mom. I said the prayer to accept Christ with her help when I was ten years old, right before bedtime in my pink-walled bedroom.  

I have looked to Mom as a spiritual leader my whole life.  Mom had always wanted to go on a mission trip we made it in the summer of 2011 when we teamed with Medical Mission Ministries in Guatemala. During the day, we would help the local community receive medical attention and we would have the opportunity to share the gospel with them. My mom and I got to work together at a station to share the gospel.

A mother with a young daughter came into the room and sat down at our station. We asked this woman about her life and found out that she wanted to have a personal relationship with the Lord. Mom led her to say the prayer to accept Christ, just as she had so many years before with me! We asked her if there was anything else we could pray for and she explained that her daughter was having severe stomach pains. The little girl couldn’t even go play with other kids because her stomach hurt so badly. The doctors at the clinic didn’t know what was wrong with her. Mom suggested praying for her daughter. The woman lit up. She was so excited to pray for her daughter for the first time! So we all began to pray for a good 15 minutes--mixing languages, cultures, and backgrounds but all looking to the one God. The Spirit was there. It was so real. My petition to the Lord was that the girl would be healed. I boldly told the Lord that we needed Him to heal the girl so that her mom could know choosing Him was the best decision ever. Mom (Carol) prayed the same thing. The Spirit aligned our prayers. After our prayers ended, the little girl ran off to play. This was strange and not expected. The mother turned to the girl and said in Spanish, where are you going? The little girl turned and said something in Spanish to the mom.  The mother told us that her little girl was healed! All of us rejoiced and tears of joy welled up inside us. 

In remembering this story, I remember how the Lord showed up exactly where we needed Him. I also remember what a wonderful prayer warrior my mom was. A woman boldly pursuing God's heart and healing in the world. Sharing that with mom will forever remain my favorite memory from visiting Guatemala.

Bring Out The Best?

I came across the most random memory but it was the first one to pop into my head ( April, I really hope you remember this)

April and I must have been like 7 or 8 years old. We were sitting on the floor of my living room while Ms. Carol and my mom were sitting having a conversation. They were trying to figure out why April liked my mom's turkey sandwiches more than Ms. Carol's. I literally remember sitting on the floor watching them go back and forth. The conversation went something like this:

Mom: Do you use honey wheat bread?

Carol: Yes

Mom: What about the Turkey?

Carol: Boars Head

Mom: That's what we use. Okay, cheese?

Carol: I don't usually put cheese on it.

Mom: Neither do I. So weird...

Both: The mayo!

You see, Ms. Carol, of course, used Hellman's LIGHT mayonnaise for her sandwiches, my mom used the regular. Apparently there was a huge difference because April wouldn't eat her mom's, only mine haha. 

I don't know why this was the memory that came to mind when I was thinking about what to share. But in all honesty, it totally makes sense. Every time I came over to play when I was younger, it was never a surprise to have grapes and crackers for a snack, and always water to drink. She was definitely a great example of how to eat healthy. I definitely miss her

Lindsay Gaskins

A thank you from Dad...

This note was written to Carol from her dad, Jim Stapleton in September, 2013, in thanks for a special 80th birthday party.

CAROL
Perhaps at some time in history there's been a guy who felt almost as proud and almost as honored as I was last weekend when you and Lynn and everyone celebrated with me. But, frankly, I doubt it. It was wonderful. And I really wish I could adequately thank you and the whole family for your obvious and appreciated love. You know I'm still learning from you and from Stuart about what family love is. You're both such great parents in so many ways.
I don't really have words to fully express how proud I am of each member of our family, and how much genuine love is there.
Fortunately for me, "having the right words" isn't really necessary; although, it'd be good if I did.
The "80 Reasons We Love Jim Stapleton" from his children and grandchildren is absolutely world-class--fun, thoughtful, loving. And believe me, it let me know in unique ways how much you care. And, that makes me feel great indeed.
Your mom and I are so very proud of you...and all of our family. You are priceless and my love for you somehow grows and grows every day. Every single day.
The photos are terrific. I'll be spending a lot of time thinking back to their specific events...or moments.. that each can produce. Small moments some time. Big-deal and important times in others. Personal, private moments. But all--and each--give me memories of special people, special times, and situations. You, Stuart, April, Anna, Adam, and Audrey.

THANK YOU CAROL FOR BEING SUCH A GREAT PERSON, AND MOM, AND WIFE, AND DAUGHTER!

Love, Your Dad

From Anna

"You know, it's funny how this picture almost was nonexistent. Here's how: This summer my cousin and I got all dolled up and wanted my mom to take pictures of us. My mom wanted to serve us the best she could so she happily agreed! At one point during the shoot, I said, Mom! I want a picture with you! She said no at first. She said that she wasn't dressed up and didn't look good enough. But that's the thing about my mom. She ALWAYS looked pretty. I convinced her to take the photo with me(: I'm so happy that we got this picture together."--Anna

Nov 11

My name is Elizabeth Magee and I just wanted to let you know that Carol had a large impact on me in a very short time.  I have taught ballet at Perimeter and First Grade in Fulton County for years and this has been my first year staying home with my daughter and only teaching ballet.  I started taking Carol's Monday morning yoga class in August and she reached out and made a connection with me right away.  I was so encouraged by her and began immediately to look forward to Monday mornings and knew that my crossing her path was a God thing.  I so very much enjoyed the yoga from a Christian perspective and I felt I had made a new friendship that would last. I really related to her and just immediately drew encouragement from her peaceful and compassionate spirit and saw her as a godly sister who was a little ahead of me in the journey and was living the way I want to. ... And I praise [God] for allowing me to meet her and am asking God to always remind me of how cared for she made me feel in such a short time, and to help me be that kind of woman to those I come into contact with.  I know that from the impact she had on me and the way I saw her interact with everyone at the Y, her heart was amazing and she was a light for Jesus, shining brightly.
by grace, Elizabeth Magee

The Chocolate Bunny

Written by Audrey Sylvester

Once upon an Easter morning, I came rambling downstairs to my place at the breakfast table. I grinned at my good fortune! The "Easter Bunny" had given me a Snickers Chocolate Bunny! As we all sat down at our big table for an Easter breakfast, I was savoring my chocolate bunny, nibbling bit by bit. When we were done with breakfast we were talking about the up coming day. I had not even nibbled the ears off my scrumptious bunny rabbit. So, my mom asked me, "Can I have a little bite?" Being the good little girl I am, I said, "Of course, mother dear!" as I gave her my prized possession. Then to my complete and utter horror, my dearest mother bit the whole head of my bunny off!! You could not believe in what a tragic state I was in as I sat and gazed at my bunny decapitated!

My mommy was definitely one of the kindest people I know, but she sure had a sweet tooth!

Ps. Audrey would like to note that dramatic license has been taken in the telling of this story

Note from the Bakers

As I think of Carol, I remember her beautiful smile and sparkling eyes.  We were new friends when Carol was pregnant with April. Carol and Stuart were the first members of our new married group to be having a baby. I remember her as she approached her due date, she was "ready to pop" and wearing a blue maternity dress. It was the only time Carol was ever big! ( except when pregnant:) ) Carol's laugh was one you would know anywhere. If I heard it, I knew Carol was close by. Last year, Carol and I served  on a committee together. Miss Organization had everything beautifully prepared. It was a true blessing that I was able to reconnect with her after many years of simply running past with quick hellos. I will cherish and remember those fun months of planning. We are still thinking  of you and praying God's peace over each one.

Blessings and Love,

Jennifer and Greg Baker
David and Anna too

Wide Eyes

Carol rarely raised her voice, but you could always tell when she was upset or serious about something. How? She would do what came to be known as "the wide eyes." She would raise her eye brows and open her eyes really wide, to emphasize her point. If on the receiving end of the "wide eyes" the kids would usually cower and say, "STOP YELLING AT ME!"  But, out of the moment, they loved to make fun of her for this, opening their eyes the widest they would go, nodding their heads.

Note from the Norths

Carol was an amazing prayer warrior and I am thankful to God for the time we spent together as prayer chairs of the Providence 2013 senior class. I will miss her but her legacy lives on in the lives of you--her family. Thank you again for being lights and staying faithful through this "meteor strike". In Christ, Dr & Mrs Christopher North

Note from the Whittens

We wanted to share the beautiful words of a friend sent to our family in a card: 

Dear Stuart, 

Thank you for what you shared at Carol's service! God certainly had his hand on you. It was like you were toasting Carol at an anniversary celebration! You honestly shared about your life together and I know that in some mysterious way, your words brought some healing to a whole lot of hurting souls. You, with such great loss, comforted others. That is so Jesus! :) I pray you will continue to be strengthened by Him each and every day and may you never lose hope in the One who has called you according to His Divine Purpose! 

I don't normally start a sympathy card with "Thank you." This will be a first. I am so in awe of Carol's legacy and in the power of our God who does change our sorrow to dancing!

When the really hard days come (as if they haven't been hard enough!) may you see glimpses of eternity that make our human struggles seem small. God has great plans for you and your precious family! 

Love, 

Leslie (and Craig) Whitten

Mystery of the Missing Children

Back in the Fall of 2000, Carol was very pregnant with Audrey and I was very pregnant with Luke.  Our Home Fellowship was having a picnic at Jones Bridge Park, near the river.  As the sun started to set, we all decided it was time to go home .... but we couldn't find April, my husband and my two boys!  We looked and looked .... and yelled and yelled .... and yelled some more!  We called the police.  Carol was a trooper and very calm.  Me?  Not so much!  Eventually we found out that my husband had walked out into the water with all three kids.  When they got close to the other side, he thought it would be more dangerous to turn around than to finish crossing.  So, finish crossing they did!  A man that lived in Country Club of the South (nice car!) saw them walking and offered to give them a ride.  No shoes, soaking wet clothes, a sight!  Much to the relief of their mothers, he was nice enough to drive them all safely home!  What an adventure!

Linda Wohlbach

October 16th

Carol was the first instructor I had at the YMCA and for many years she has been a leader and a way shower for me.  She still makes me want to be a better person!
Elissa McGahren

The Zonk Gift

Writer: Stuart and April

The kids all laugh at the memory of the so-called zonk gift Carol would award one undeserving child at Christmas.  Carol would think of something that would send one of our children into a raging fit, wrap it up very beautifully and put it under the tree. 

April received the film-version of that eerily depressing Christmas song "Christmas Shoes" that seems ubiquitous on Christian radio during the holiday time. 
Anna received a nicely framed picture of her least favorite teacher. And annoyingly, Mr/Mrs. UnnamedTeacher showed up (via Carol) in the most unexpected of places--like under her pillow...the zonk that keeps on zonking. 

The kids would revel at the thought of who (other than themselves) might get the zonk.

When the kids remember the fun that Carol brought to the Sylvester house on Christmas morning, I see the  monumental effort Carol put forth to make each holiday more memorable and significant to the kids.

Posts From Legacy.Com

October 16, 2013

Carol was an amazing woman. God has used her in so many lives (including mine). I am thankful for the time I got to serve with her and get to know her. She will be dearly missed. I am praying for all of the family, Stuart, April, Anna, Adam and Audrey. Love you all!

Joy Moore,

Norcross, Georgia
 

October 16, 2013

My deepest sympathy to the Sylvester family.May the loving-kindness of God comfort you during this difficult time.God invites us at(1Peter5:7)to "Throw all your anxiety on him because he cares for you."Please take comfort in the scriptures and rely on God.
TF
 

October 16, 2013

I knew Carol thru YMCA Bible classes. She was a wonderul reflection of the love of Jesus. i know she meant sooo much to sooo many. Carol now is with Jesus face io face. I offer my prayers to her family. Carols untimely.death means that we should make EACH day count for the Lord and love our family and friends until the Lord calls us home too

John Lounsbury,

Norcross, Georgia
 

October 16, 2013

We are lifting your family in prayer asking for God's powerful presence, peace, and comfort in this very difficult time.

Larry & Donna Vorpahl,

Ellijay, Georgia

October 15, 2013

Praying for the entire family. Carol was a light for many.

Ann Meadows,

Cumming, Georgia
 

October 14, 2013

Carol, you will be missed but never forgotten. The memories of your wonderful love and light will be in our hearts forever. Peace and healing to your family.

Kim McKenzie,

Birmingham, Alabama

October 14, 2013

Praying for your family during this difficult time.

The Wahl Family,

Peachtree Corners, Georgia

  

October 14, 2013

So very sorry. Your GAC family is sending up prayers for your comfort.

Becky Cox,

Suwanee, Georgia

October 14, 2013

We are praying for you and your family.

Butch and Sharon Powell,

Jupiter, Florida

October 14, 2013

Thank you, Carol for reflecting and representing Jesus to your world so beautifully. I know you have now heard Him say face-to-face "Well done". Our hearts ache for the Sylvester family as we continue to cover you in prayer.

The Rhea Family,

Peachtree Corners, Georgia

October 14, 2013

Praying Gods peace and comfort for you all during this very difficult time. Carol had such a presence and lit up the entire world!! Take comfort knowing she is with our Jesus.

Nancy cline,

Suwanee, Georgia

October 14, 2013

Our hearts are hurting for you in the loss of your amazing, godly and loving mother and wife. We will be lifting you up continually before the Lord knowing that He is the only Healer of the broken-hearted. The Geckeler-Wright family

Sally Geckeler-Wright,

Johns CReek, Georgia

October 13, 2013

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived. 

V Austin [ Rev. 21: 4 ],

Georgia

 
October 13, 2013

I only knew Carol briefly at the
YMCA, but she left a lasting impression. I'll always remember her smile and her strong faith in Jesus
Christ. May God bless her family with peace. 

Carolyn Marczak,

Peachtree Corners, Georgia
 

October 13, 2013

I got a brief time to reconnect with Carol at the women's retreat this year and talk to her about passion for having women spend time with Christ during their time with her in yoga. She was truly a special, Godly woman who touched so many.

Rachel Clark,

Johns Creek, Georgia

October 13, 2013

Carol was always so radiant and full if life. We grew up together at Southminster, and she has always been a delight. My thoughts and prayers are with her husband, children, Lynn, Sue and Jim. She will be forever loved and missed.

Judy Habeeb,

Birmingham, Alabama

October 13, 2013

Carol Sylvester was a woman who radiated Jesus and was joy to all who knew her. Praying for you all as you grieve. Thank you so much for sharing her with us.

Georgia

October 13, 2013

We remember Carol as a smiling, generous & warm woman. She always made us feel at home when we visited & had a family that was as generous & loving as she was. This is a terrible loss of a wonderful person.
Chuck, Mary, Jack, Charlie & Bella Sisson

Mary Sisson,

Suwanee, Georgia

October 13, 2013
Sylvester's,

It was an honor to call her my friend as well. You are all in my constant thoughts and prayers. May God bless you all as you begin to pick up the pieces. Shine brightly in your love of her and God.

Tim, Susan, Josh, and Alaina Lombardo 

Susan Lombardo,

Suwanee, Georgia

Carol's Obituary From the AJC

YLVESTER, Carol CAROL STAPLETON SYLVESTER Carol Stapleton Sylvester, age 48 of Duluth, Georgia passed away on Wednesday, October 9, 2013. A Celebration of Life service will be held 4:30 PM on Tuesday, October 15, 2013 at Perimeter Church, Johns Creek, Georgia. She is survived by her Husband: Stuart Sylvester, Duluth, Georgia; Children: April, Anna, Adam and Audrey; Parents: Jim and Sue Stapleton, Vestavia Hills, Alabama; Sister: Lynn Stapleton Koch, Peachtree Corners, Georgia. In lieu of flowers donations may be made for the Advancement of Yoga from a Christian Perspective payable to the Carol Sylvester Memorial Trust, 4845 Riverlake Drive, Duluth, Georgia 30097. Georgia Cremation 3116 U.S. Highway 23 Duluth, Georgia 30096. 678-584-0914. GeorgiaCremation.com

Published in The Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Oct. 13, 201

- See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/atlanta/obituary.aspx?pid=167499404#sthash.OEFmrWsY.dpuf

Published in The Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Oct. 13, 201

- See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/atlanta/obituary.aspx?pid=167499404#sthash.OEFmrWsY.dp

Carol Stapleton Sylvester, age 48 of Duluth, Georgia passed away on Wednesday, October 9, 2013. A Celebration of Life service was held 4:30 PM on Tuesday, October 15, 2013 at Perimeter Church, Johns Creek, Georgia. 

She is survived by her Husband: Stuart Sylvester, Duluth, Georgia; Children: April, Anna, Adam and Audrey; Parents: Jim and Sue Stapleton, Vestavia Hills, Alabama; Sister: Lynn Stapleton Koch, Peachtree Corners, Georgia.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made for the Advancement of Yoga from a Christian Perspective payable to:    

     Carol Sylvester Memorial Trust

     4845 Riverlake Drive

     Duluth, Georgia 30097

Carol Sylvester's Memorial Service

It is with great sadness that we have lost our sweet Carol. 

We will be celebrating her life on Tuesday, October 15, 2013 at 4:30 p.m. 

Please join us in the main sanctuary at Perimeter Church.

     9500 Medlock Bridge Road

     Johns Creek, GA  30097 

A reception will follow immediately after the service.

   

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made for the Advancement of Yoga from a Christian Perspective payable to:  

     Carol Sylvester Memorial Trust

     4845 Riverlake Drive

     Duluth, GA  30097