Funeral service for Carolyn Anne Love will be 12:00 p.m. Monday, December 22, 2025 in First United Methodist Church with Rev. Sean Cho, Pastor officiating.

Burial will follow in Fort Sill National Cemetery under direction of Becker-Rabon Funeral Home.

The family will greet friends from 2-4 pm Sunday at the funeral home.

Following the committal at the cemetery, the family invites you to join them for a reception at the Lawton Country Club at 3:00 p.m. Your presence would be an honor.

Carolyn Anne Love went to be with her lord on Sunday, December14, 2025.

Born in Helena, Arkansas on March 8, 1938, to Raymond Holland and Evalena (Lena) Thornton Holland. After her father's passing when she was only three years old, Carolyn Anne was raised by her devoted mother in Helena.

Even at a young age, Carolyn Anne was entranced by music -- singing, dancing, playing the piano, the clarinet, and strutting her stuff as a majorette in high school. Upon graduation, she left Helena and headed to Mississippi to attend Mississippi State College for Women. While home on a visit from "scoo" -- as her Arkansas accent pronounced "school" -- a friend introduced her to the man who would become the love of her life, Gene Love. Although she was already engaged to a boy named Jimmy, Carolyn Anne took one look at Gene, who she thought looked like Elvis, fell instantly in love, said "Jimmy who?", and broke off her engagement. She and Gene married two years later on July 23, 1961, and their life adventure began. Now as the wife of an Army officer, Carolyn Anne faithfully supported Gene throughout his military career during his assignments in Oklahoma, Texas, the Netherlands, two tours of Vietnam, Kansas, Washington, D.C., and finally, back to Ft. Sill Oklahoma. Wherever the Army called them, Carolyn Anne created a warm and welcoming home, grounded in love, stability, and faith.

It is said that the quality of a life is defined not by its length, but by its depth, its actions, and achievements. It is defined by our ability to love. By these measures, Carolyn Anne exceeded all expectations with the years God gave her. She was deeply committed to serving her Lawton community. She volunteered her time and talents in many capacities, including as a Red Cross Volunteer in the Pediatric Clinic at Reynolds Army Hospital at Ft. Sill, while also serving on the Red Cross Board. Over the years, Carolyn Anne was also a member of Lawton Junior League, PTA, and a charter member of Lawton Chapter FW of P.E.O. She chaired fundraisers and galas for the Lawton Philharmonic Orchestra, Arts for All, and United Way. Her love of art led to her serving on the board of The Museum of the Great Plains. At First United Methodist Church of Lawton, Carolyn Anne served as Chair of the Memorial Committee and as a Trustee, reflecting her strong devotion to her church family.

Her passion for beauty and her creativity she expressed through her love of interior design and decorating. Carolyn Anne worked for several years alongside her dear friend, Joan Barnes, as the Decorating Team at Dutton Designs in Lawton. Her eye for detail and impeccable taste brought beauty to many homes in Lawton and throughout the state of Oklahoma, and Wichita Falls and Dallas Texas.

Most of all, Carolyn Anne's heart belonged to her family and friends. She and Gene were blessed with two children -- Cyndi and David. She was an extremely involved mother who never missed an activity of either of her children, a fierce protector, a trustworthy confidante, a teacher of good manners and etiquette, an example to be followed. In 1994, when she was blessed with her only grandchild, Pierce Ippolito, it is said her heart grew ten sizes that day. She became "Mimi", the grantor of all wishes, the bestower of God's greatest blessings of love and joy as only a grandmother -- a Mimi -- can give.

Carolyn Anne was also a fabulous friend known for her loyalty, loving heart, genuine warmth, and fantastic sense of humor. She had a zest for life, whether she was being the "hostess with the mostest" for a glamorous soiree, or simply doing one of her favorite things and just going for a ride in the car -- anyplace, anytime,

Carolyn Anne had a deep compassion for all animals, especially her Standard Poodle, Lily. Over the course of her adult life, she loved and nurtured 13 dogs, five cats, seven birds, four rabbits, two hamsters, one turtle, and innumerable fish (and, no -- no partridge in a pear tree!)

Carolyn Anne is remembered for her strength, her Southern grace, her abundant generosity, steadfast faith, servant's heart, and unwavering devotion to those she loved. Although there is a void in all our lives now, her legacy will abide in our hearts forever.

Carolyn Anne is survived by her husband of 64 years, Gene; her children, Cyndi Ippolito and David Love (fiancée Kristin), and her grandson, Pierce Ippolito. She is also survived by her nephews, Jay Wisener (Tish), Jeff Wisener (Becky), Joshua Hampton (Kelli) and great-nephews James Wisener (Whitney), Gavin Bauer, and Rhett Wisener; her great-niece Grace; and her cousin, Richard Holland.

The family sincerely appreciates the love and support of so many close friends. We are also thankful for the kindness and steady assistance she received from her loving caregiver, Donna Jenkins, who made it possible for her to stay at home the past two years, The staff at McMahon Tomlinson Nursing Center also gave Carolyn Anne the attention and care she deserved for the past four months. Additionally, we are grateful to her pastor, Reverend Sean Cho, who provided comfort with countless prayers and words of hope and encouragement.

Pastor Cho was with Carolyn Anne when she sang for the last time four days before her

passing. While visiting Carolyn Anne at McMahon, Pastor Cho pointed to a picture of Elvis on a shelf in her room, and she told him how much she had always loved Elvis. She proceeded to sing every word of "Love Me Tender". Pastor Cho then joined her, and they sang the entire song again together. So yes, Carolyn Anne,

You loved us tender,

You loved us sweet,

You never let us go.

You have made our lives complete

And we love you so.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to First United Methodist Church or the Lawton Animal Shelter.