Carolyn Syring McCray Powell passed away December 31, 2022, at the age of 84 after a short illness. She had been in declining health for several years. Carolyn was born August 19, 1938, in Greensboro, Alabama, to Irma Montz & Shelby Robert Syring. After her father’s death, her mother married Emmett Stokes and he was a loving stepfather. Carolyn married Robert Harold Mc- Cray November 4, 1955, and raised three daughters in Greensboro. She was very active in the family catfish, cattle and poultry farms. Carolyn & Harold were owners of the Inn Restaurant and Motel in Greensboro. They also had a restaurant in the Uniontown Stockyard and ran the College Inn in Marion at one point. Carolyn and Harold were a founding family of Southern Academy & served on the Board of Directors. She was an active member of the Veritas Club and served on the board of Silver Dunes Condominiums in Destin, FL. Carolyn was married to Harold for 45 years and after his death, married Larry Powell and lived in Pike Road. As her health declined, she moved to Birmingham for care to be closer to her daughters.
Preceeded in death by husband Harold McCray, husband Larry Powell, daughter Sandra Davis, brother Bobby Syring and her parents. Survived by daughter, Cynthia Looney (John) of Vestavia Hills, AL; daughter, Malinda Adams (Steve) of Vestavia Hills, Al; son-in-law, Ketih Davis of Moundville, AL. Carolyn is also survived by 2 grandchildren: Allie Looney Lewis (Matthew) of Mountain Brook, Al, and Christopher Colson (Jamie) of Greensboro, Al. She had 4great grandchildren: Windom Robert Lewis & John Averette Lewis of Mountain Brook, AL; Addie Chris Colson & Maggie McCray Colson of Greensboro, Al. Carolyn is also survived by loving nieces and nephews on the Syring and Stokes side of her family.
The family would like to thank the staff at Lakeview Estates in Birmingham for loving and caring for her. Carolyn was shown much compassion and love there by everyone, but especially Gwennetta Mays, Delores Cunningham, Wanda Bowers, Joan Brown, Lynn Rogers and Jackie Perry. We would also like to thank Nita Milton. Nita was a godsend when Mama was in Pike Road and needed care.
A graveside service was held Wednesday, January 4th at 11:00 a.m. in Greensboro, Alabama, at Oakwood Cemetery.
Donations in honor of Carolyn McCray Powell can be made, via check, to Southern Academy.
Donations can also be made in honor of Carolyn McCray Powell, via check, to the Catfish Navy in Greensboro, AL. Addresses are below:
Southern Academy
407 College St. Greensboro, AL 36744
ATTN: Michelle McCrory
Catfish Navy
c/o Presbyterian Church
782 Hwy 61 Greensboro,
AL 36744
In the “FOR” section, write Catfish Navy.
