Carolyn Blanche Boutwell (nee' Newell), 88 passed away peacefully August 9, 2025, in Winnsboro, Louisiana. Born on August 31, 1936, in Crystal Springs, Mississippi, Carolyn lived a full and vibrant life marked by creativity, resilience, and a deep love for her family.

A graduate of Tallulah High School, Carolyn went to attend business school in Jackson, Mississippi. Her creative interests laid the foundation for a life filled with artistic expression. She was a licensed florist who found joy in creating beauty through flowers. Her passion for nature extended beyond her work-her flower beds were a living canvas of color and care. Purple bearded irises, Chinese privet, Wisteria, lilies of all kinds, and cheerful daisies flourished under her green thumb.

Carolyn was also an accomplished artist. Her talent came to life through charcoal sketches, oil paintings, and palette knife techniques that captured the world around her with depth and emotion. Whether arranging flowers or painting landscapes, she brought creativity and heart to everything she touched.

Those who knew Carolyn will remember her quick wit and love of a good joke. She had a spirited personality that made her unforgettable-a true handful in the most endearing way.

She married Billy Ray Boutwell on December 3, 1957. They were married for 59 years and lived in Mississippi, Arkansas, Louisiana, Tennessee and back to Louisiana. They did a bit of traveling with friends and family, making many memories. Our personal favorite is the years of summer vacations in Florida, we fondly referred to as "Boutwell Beach Bash".

She was preceded in death by her parents John Riley Newell, Sr and Ruth Tillman Newell, her beloved husband, Billy Ray Boutwell; grandson Trebor Yocum; son-in-law Craig House; brothers John, Albert, and Edward Newell; sisters Lucille Lemon, Ella Dozier, Katie Ruth Boyte, Frances Hoyle, and Nell Bryant.

Carolyn's legacy lives on through her devoted family: George Boutwell and his wife Ginger; Janice House; Jo Ann Bahlinger and husband John; Brenda Collie and her husband David. She was blessed with grandchildren Ben & Amanda Boutwell, Matt & Jenna Boutwell, Katie & Brock Herron, John & Joanna Boutwell, Haily Havis, Will House, Leslie & Christopher Wells, Dustin & Ashley Collie, Darren & Blake Collie. Her great grandchildren- Lillian Boutwell, Chase Boutwell, Harper Boutwell, Waylon Herron, Ford Herron, Henry Herron, Emma Boutwell, Ethan Boutwell, Caitlyn Havis, Layla Havis, Ty Havis, William House, Grayson Wells, Duke Wells, Lexi Collie, Mathew Collie, McKenzie Collie, Camden Collie, and Carter Collie- will carry forward the warmth of her memory.

Pallbearers will be Ben Boutwell, John Boutwell, Matt Boutwell, Darren Collie, Dustin Collie, Mathew Collie, and Will House.

We would like to thank Plantation Manor of Winnsboro for their care of Mom during her stay there. She may have tested their patience a bit, but they handled it with humor and love.

Carolyn Blanch Boutwell leaves behind a legacy of artistry and laughter-a life well-lived and deeply loved. May her memory bring comfort to all who knew her. A funeral service will be held at 2 PM on August 11, 2025, at First Baptist Church Winnsboro with Rev. Harry Boyd officiating interment to follow in Coax Cemetery, visitation will from 1 PM until service time at the church, all under the direction of Dennard First National Funeral Home Winnsboro.