Carolyn Gail Briggs Rich, 73, of Mars Hill, passed away Friday, September 6, 2024. She was a lifelong resident of Madison County and the daughter of the late Frank and Mildred Brigman Briggs. Carolyn retired from Madison County Schools as a teacher and was a member of Beech Glen Baptist Church.

She was preceded in death by her sisters, Irene Banks and Mary Lonon, and her brother, Gene Briggs.

Carolyn is survived by her husband, Danny Rich, daughter, Michelle Rich, son, Ian Rich (Stephanie), four grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.

Some people in this life will leave their thumbprint on your life that thankfully will never go away. Ms. Carolyn left her fingerprints on the lives of all who knew her and would light up the room everywhere she went. Her laughter was contagious. Carolyn loved happy colors, and she wore them well. It was proven when she would show up at church with a change in a hair style or color that only she could wear…she wore it well. For instance, one time she came home from a few days at Daytona with both sides of her hair deep dark, but in the middle was a bright blonde. Only Carolyn!

Carolyn had a compassionate heart for children, young adults, as well as the older adults. The career she chose was evidence of her precious way of touching the lives of others at Beech Glen Baptist Church and the community where she lived. She watched as the children had children of their own. Carolyn was well known for her beautiful voice and unique way of commanding the ivories of the piano.

Carolyn was a barrel of fun. For instance, one time when she flew to Daytona, she rented a car and was arrested for a stolen vehicle. Everything was resolved after the rental company followed up on the cars rented out. Formalities resulted in her going to jail, but she was given one call which she used very wisely. It went something like this. D A N N Y !!!! Only Carolyn!

To sum it up would be impossible. Allow me to try. Carolyn wanted others to know that she was a Christian and her faith was always visible. She would ask you to wear your attire bright, your hair brighter, and laugh a lot. She would tell you to be happy. Only Carolyn!

A funeral service will be held at 2pm Tuesday, September 10, 2024, at Robbie Capps Memorial Service of Blue Ridge Funeral Service. Reverends Stanley Peek and Shane Cassida will officiate. Burial will follow in the Beech Glen Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 12:30-2pm Tuesday prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Madison Home Care & Hospice, PO Box 69, Marshall, NC 28753.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.blueridgefuneralservice.org