Carolyn Sue McCarty

Carolyn Sue McCarty, 86, passed away peacefully in her home in Gardendale, Alabama, surrounded by loved ones on February 8th, 2024. 

Carolyn grew up in West Jefferson and attended the local high School. There she met and married her high school sweetheart, and father of her daughters, Arthur McCarty. From there, they relocated to Gardendale and Carolyn worked at Vulcan Chemicals until her retirement. 

Upon retirement, Carolyn began working in the kitchen at Mt. Olive Baptist Church. Carolyn loved to spend time with her family and friends and often did so by cooking for them. Carolyn had a passion for cooking and is best known for her dessert making, especially Cinnamon Rolls*. 

Carolyn was preceded in death by her father, William Swindle; her mother, Mary Onida Swindle Burroughs; her sisters, Mary Hamaker and Margaret Wells; and her brother, Billie Swindle. 

Carolyn leaves behind her loving daughters, Amanda Jaeger and Rhonda Messina; her sons-in-law Charles Jaeger and Michael Messina; her grandchildren Shannon Jaeger and Charles Jaeger Jr. and his wife Kelcy; and two great grandchildren, Layla and Jakob; as well as fond friends. 

Carolyn will be remembered as an amazing caregiver to her aging family members, children, and grandchildren. She is loved by many. The family will have a graveside service at Freewill Baptist Cemetery in West Jefferson on Wednesday, February 14th, 2024, at 1:30 pm. In lieu of flowers or meals we ask that you consider an offering to Gardendale First Baptist Church Missions Vacation Bible School. The family also would like to thank the many caring people associated with Hope Hospice who are a godsend and very much appreciated.  

*Cinnamon Roll Recipe by Carolyn McCarty

o 1 1/2 Yeast pkg. (3 comes to a pack.)

o 1/4 Cup Oil

o 1 egg

o 2 Cups warm water

o Dissolve yeast in water. Add egg and oil-mix

o 5-6 Cups Bread Flour

o 1/2 Cup Sugar

o 1 Tablespoon Salt

Sift the above and add to yeast mixture. Let rise in a greased bowl until doubled. Divide dough into half and roll each like a pizza. Sprinkle cinnamon, brown sugar, and nuts over dough. Melt butter and pour over sugar mixture. Roll like a jelly roll and cut into slices and let rise again on greased cookie sheet. Maybe 3-4 hours. Cook in a 300 degree oven until lightly brown. While warm pour powder sugar on cinnamon rolls. 

Orange Rolls

Use same dough - roll out like a pizza. Sprinkle granulated sugar over dough. Then spread Orange marmalade over sugar. Pour melted butter and cool like you do cinnamon rolls. 

+++

Amazing grace! how sweet the sound,

 That saved a wretch; like me!

I once was lost, but now am found,

 Was blind, but now I see.

2

’Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,

 And grace my fears relieved;

How precious did that grace appear

 The hour I first believed!

3

The Lord hath promised good to me,

 His word my hope secures;

He will my shield and portion be

 As long as life endures.

4

When we’ve been there ten thousand years,

 Bright shining as the sun,

We’ve no less days to sing God’s praise

 Than when we first begun.

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