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