Carolyn Riser Haralson

Carolyn Riser Haralson passed away on Friday, September 26, 2025, in Forest, Mississippi at the age of 87.

Funeral services will be conducted at 11:30am Wednesday, October 1, 2025, from the chapel of the OTT & LEE Funeral Home of Forest. Visitation will be held from 10am till the service time at the funeral home. Bro. Chris Harrison will officiate.

She was born on April 8, 1938, to Carl and Etoyal Riser in Newton, Mississippi, and was the fourth of eight children. She was a faithful member of Ephesus Baptist Church.

She graduated from Ringgold School in April, 1955 and married the love of her life, Keith Haralson, soon thereafter on April 23, 1955. The two moved a few times in the first couple of years and finally settled in Forest, Mississippi. Together they produced five children. Their marriage was cut short with the sudden death of Keith in 1977; but Carolyn carried on and continued to raise their family.

In 1982, Carolyn found her life’s calling as a Dormitory Supervisor at East Central Community College. She continued this for 21 years, until her retirement in 2003. While working at ECCC, Carolyn took advantage of the opportunity to attend various classes. What piqued her interest the most was art class. She was always very crafty, but she loved using her paint brushes. Most of her family have been recipients of her artwork. She also pursued a degree and in May 1991, she graduated with an Associate in Applied Science Degree.

A talented seamstress her entire life, in retirement Carolyn turned her attention to quilting. You always knew on Tuesdays, she could be found at Ephesus Baptist Church, along with the other wonderful Ephesus Quilters, plying their craft. The group produced numerous pieces of hand-crafted beauty. Carolyn always loved gifting her creations to family members at graduations or marriages. Many of her family possess at least 1 of her quilts today.

Carolyn is predeceased by her parents, Carl and Etoyal Riser; her husband, Keith; her sons, Carl, Gordon and Ronnie Haralson; her daughter, Vicki Haralson Edwards, and one granddaughter, Mandy Edwards. She is also predeceased by sisters, Beth Goff, Wilma White and Patsy Gardner; and brothers, Cary Riser and Delton “Pete” Riser.

Survivors include her daughter, Peggy Cox (Steve); grandchildren, Christopher Haralson (Regina), Keith Haralson (Kimberlee), Rachel Haralson (Chris Lambert), Josh Haralson, Amy Haralson, Anna Edwards Moore (Jason), Hunter Haralson; and, great-grandchildren, Matthew Miller, Miles Miller, Georgia Haralson, Stephen Smith, Bobby Haralson, Stormy Haralson, and Tesla Lambert; sisters Anna Bell Toler (Randy) and Nancy Shaw (Robert); daughters-in-law, June Haralson, Erica Haralson, Erica’s children and grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family thanks Nicole Williams and her staff at BeeHive Homes of Forest; and the staff at Traditions Health.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your church or favorite charity.

Pallbearers are Christopher Haralson, Keith Haralson, Josh Haralson, Hunter Haralson, Stephen Smith, and Bobby Haralson.