Patricia Carolyn Southard

Patricia “Carolyn” Southard, age 83, of Topeka, KS, passed away peacefully on Sunday evening, July 21, 2024, at Oakley Place in Topeka.

She was born the daughter of Elmer and Betty (Patton) Crume on December 15, 1940, in Atchison, KS, the youngest of six children.

Carolyn was retired from the State of Kansas Social & Rehabilitation Services where she passionately served in the field of social work. She was an active member and supporter of state and local politics. Carolyn loved to read, enjoyed jazz music, and was an accomplished pianist. She embraced all things nature had to offer and spent her life hiking, biking, canoeing, golfing, and anything that involved the outdoors and attending all the grandchildren’s sporting events. Carolyn’s most cherished accomplishment was her devotion to family and the outpouring of her pure unconditional love. 

Survivors include her husband, Charles “Chuck” Southard; daughter, Karen Emmot and her husband Warren; two granddaughters, Emily and Hannah Emmot; as well as three great grandchildren, Ontarius Emmot, Kae’Lean Emmot, and Amarion Brooks.

She was preceded in death by her husband James Wilson, son Kevin Carlson, her parents and five siblings.  

Memorial visitation will be held on Friday, July 26, 2024, beginning at 1:00 P.M. followed by a memorial service at 2:00 P.M., at Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home.

Memorial contributions can be made in Carolyn’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Foundation.

To share a memory or to leave condolences, please visit, www.brennanmathenafh.com.

Arrangements entrusted to Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6th Ave., Topeka, KS 66603.