Wilson Little Funeral Home
Purcell-Newcastle, McClain Co., OK
(permission granted)

Carolyn Jernigan Welch Looper age 77 of Byars, passed away Thursday, Feb. 5th 2015 at her home. Carolyn Kay Carns was born November 16, 1937 in Flemington, Missouri as an identical twin with her sister Marilyn. Her parents were Henry Zelmer Carns and Addie Lee (McKay) Carns. Carolyn grew up in Bolivar, Missouri where she graduated from high school in 1955.

After high school she moved to Oklahoma City and went to work for Southwestern Bell. While working she attended night school to become an equipment and electrical engineer. Carolyn retired after working over 30 years with AT&T. Carolyn married Ray W. Jernigan in 1956 and together they raised two sons, Keith and Carl. She later married Billy Walter Welch and they made their home on a farm near Byars, OK. After he passed away she married Leroy Looper of Wayne. For the past 11 years they have lived on her farm near Byars. Throughout her life, Carolyn had a passionate love for horses. For many years she was a member of the Sooner Saddle Club. An Oklahoman all Women’s riding club known for their riding skills and their love for horses.

Carolyn was a faithful Christian and was a member of Trinity Baptist Church in Pauls Valley. She loved being outdoors and loved living on the farm. She enjoyed working in her yard and taking care of her cat, “Gus”. She will be remembered as a wonderful wife, mother and grandmother. She was a special sister, a special aunt and a dear friend to all who knew her.

She was preceded in death by: Parents, Henry and Addie Carns; Her twin sister, Marilyn Bybee; An infant sister and an infant brother, Her husband, Billy Welch on Sept. 10, 2001.

She is survived by: Husband, Leroy Looper of the home in Byars; Two sons, Keith Jernigan of Norman, Carl Jernigan of Choctaw; One sister, Janey Carns Crain of Noble; Four step children and their families, Randy Welch and wife Becky of Iowa, Kimberly Welch Hassman of Kentucky, Jeffrey Looper and wife Cristi of Waco, TX. Diane Looper Taylor and husband Stacy of Colorado Springs, CO. 13 grandchildren, three great grandchildren Also many beloved in-laws, nieces, nephews and friends.

Funeral services will be 2:00 PM Monday, Feb. 9, 2015 at Wilson-Little Funeral Home Chapel in Purcell. Interment will be at the Byars Cemetery in Byars, OK.