Carolyn Marie Graham Hebert, born July 6, 1928, in Redmon, Ill., to James F. Graham and Myrtle A. McGill Graham, passed away surrounded by love. She married Raymond E. “Gene” Hiatt and raised four children. In 1970, Carolyn married Fred Hebert and moved to Many, La., where they joined Aimwell Baptist Church, reflecting her deep love for the Lord. Carolyn and Fred frequently visited nursing homes, where Fred would play guitar as she sang. After Fred’s passing, Carolyn taught herself the omnichord, performing her music with a joyful heart wherever she could.

In 2012, Carolyn moved to Lake Charles, La., to be closer to her family. She was an active member of the Louisiana Singing Women, bringing music to churches across the state. At 92, Carolyn retired from this ministry and found her final church home at University Baptist Church, where she continued singing and playing the omnichord. She also formed a special bond with Dot Gibson at Sale Street Baptist Church, working together to make dolls and Easter baskets for donation.

At 94, Carolyn’s health required additional care, and she moved to Sage Oak Assisted Living, where she quickly became beloved by the residents and staff. On her first day, Carolyn held an impromptu concert, drawing everyone in with her warmth, joyful singing, and signature giggle. She introduced her favorite game, Triominoes, and filled the community with her kindness and humor.

Carolyn is survived by her sons, Jim Hiatt, and Mike Hiatt and wife, Sherry; her daughter, Cathie Basden and husband, Alan, and her grandchildren, Paul D. Myers, Matthew Hiatt, Megan Windsor and husband, Brian, Morgan Chesson and husband, Garret, James Hiatt and wife Laura, Mary Caldwell and husband, Ben, Jason Hiatt and wife, Sarah, Justin Hiatt and wife, Michelle, Mark Basden and wife, Sabrina, Dorinda Basden, Steven Basden and wife, Laura, Brandie Alexander, and husband, Jason. She is also survived by 26 great-grandchildren and 15 great-great-grandchildren. Carolyn was preceded in death by her parents; siblings, Richard Graham, William “Bill” Graham, and Betty E. Scott, and her firstborn son, Robert E. Hiatt.

The family would like to thank the staff at Sage Oak Assisted Living for their love and support, as well as Amedisys Hospice, especially Brie, for her compassionate care.

Funeral services will be held at Johnson Funeral Home on Monday, Oct. 25, 2024, at noon, with visitation from 10 a.m. to noon. Graveside services will follow at Aimwell Baptist Church in Zwolle, La., at 4 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Alzheimer’s Association or Samaritan’s Purse would be appreciated in her memory.  Also, Dementia sucks!!

Words of comfort can be expressed at johnsonfuner alhome.net.