Carolyn M. Hebert

Carolyn Marie Graham Hebert was born on July 6, 1928, to James F. Graham and Myrtle A. McGill Graham in Redmon, Illinois. She married her first husband, Raymond E. "Gene" Hiatt, and together they had four children.

In 1970, Carolyn married Fred Hebert and moved to Many, Louisiana. Three years later, they joined Aimwell Baptist Church, where Carolyn's love for the Lord shone brightly through her smile and her dedication to serving Him. She and Fred often visited nursing homes, with Fred playing the guitar and Carolyn singing. After Fred's passing, Carolyn taught herself to play the omnichord, joyfully performing wherever she could. In 2012, she moved to Lake Charles, Louisiana, to be closer to family.

Carolyn was an active member of the Louisiana Singing Women, traveling to churches across the state to share her music ministry. At the age of 92, she retired from these overnight trips, but her spirit remained vibrant. Carolyn found a best friend in Dot Gibson at Sale Street Baptist Church, where the two shared their love for making beautiful dolls and Easter baskets for donation. Carolyn continued to sing and play her omnichord with the church choir. Her final church home was University Baptist Church, where she was cherished as a singer and omnichord player.

At 94, Carolyn's health required additional care, and she moved to Sage Oak Assisted Living. This new chapter became her final mission field. On her very first day at Sage Oak, Carolyn held an impromptu concert in the dining room, filling the room with song, laughter, and what would soon become her signature "giggle." Residents and staff were immediately drawn to her warmth and joy. She also introduced them to her favorite game, Triominoes, bringing together residents and staff alike.

Carolyn is survived by her sons, Jim Hiatt, and Mike Hiatt and wife Sherry; her daughter, Cathie Basden and husband Alan; and her beloved grandchildren: Paul D. Myers, Matthew Hiatt, Megan Windsor and husband Brian, Morgan Chesson and husband Garret, James Hiatt and wife Laura, Mary Caldwell and husband Ben, Jason Hiatt and wife Sarah, Justin Hiatt and wife Michelle, Mark Basden and wife Sabrina, Dorinda Basden, Steven Basden and wife Laura, Brandie Alexander and husband Jason. She is also survived by 26 great-grandchildren and 15 great-great-grandchildren.

Carolyn was preceded in death by her parents, her brothers Richard Graham and William "Bill" Graham, and her sister, Betty E. Scott. The greatest loss of her life was her firstborn son, Robert E. Hiatt, in November 2021.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Sage Oak Assisted Living, who lovingly surrounded Carolyn with care and support throughout her journey with dementia. They will forever hold a place in our hearts. The family is also grateful to Amedisys Hospice, especially Brie, for the kindness and compassion shown in her daily care for Carolyn.

Funeral services will be held at Johnson Funeral Home on Monday, October 28, 2024, at noon. Visitation will be open to the public from 10 a.m. until noon. Graveside services will follow at Aimwell Baptist Church in Zwolle, LA, at 4:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Alzheimer's Association or Samaritan's Purse would be appreciated in her memory.

Also, dementia sucks!!