Carolyn was born in Ann Arbor, Michigan on March 21, 1942. Her early years were spent in the Collett Park area of Terre Haute. During that period Carolyn studied ballet at the Ernestine Myers School of Dance and performed locally and on stage in Chicago. She acted in lead roles at the Children's Theater of Terre Haute under the direction of  Dr. Lillian Masters. In 1959, Carolyn was a national Science Fair winner and was invited to attend a summer of study at the University of Maine. She graduated from Garfield High School in 1960. A year later Carolyn enlisted with the Air Force and served at bases in Texas and Massachusetts during the Cuban Missile Crisis. She was a member of the Fort Harrison Chapter of Daughters of the American Revolution honoring her patriate Henry Hormel. Carolyn received her degree in Education from Indiana State University. She taught Physical Education at East Side and Meridian Schools in Clay County. Carolyn was also a member of the Church of Christ. Genealogy was a hobby that she enjoyed with her mother and sister. Carolyn always loved watching the birds of all kinds. She also had fond memories of her favorite Springer Spaniel "Lovey". Carolyn also enjoyed playing board games, playing cards, video games, and was a master at the computer. She was preceded in death by her infant daughter, Andrea Cattel Beatty and her parents John and Ruth (Shake) Thomas. She is survived by her son, Neil Andrew Beatty (Autumn) of Terre Haute, and her son, Donald "Lee" Hinesley (Wendi) of Clinton, a sister Sherry Hustad (Tom) of Bloomington, and a brother John B. Thomas (Amy) of Terre Haute; her lifelong friend Donna Utterback Justice of Greenwood, her beloved granddaughters Heather Watson (Zach) of Paris, Il., Brenna Dearing-Bettis (Charlie Bettis) of Rockville, Olivia Beatty of Terre Haute, her beloved grandsons Joel Beatty of Terre Haute, Bradley Hoggatt (Mackenzie) of Michigan, her beloved nephews John Hustad (Tara) of Pennsylvania, J.C. Thomas (Mandy) of Brazil, Matt Thomas (Sonia), of Terre Haute, her beloved niece Kathleen Hustad (Derek Hester) of Minneapolis, her beloved great-grandchildren Maxwell, Adelaide, Bentley, and Jaxson, her beloved great-nieces and nephews Hannah, Cole, and Liam. A celebration of life will be held at her son's house. In lieu of flowers, if one should desire, a contribution to any animal charity or food donations to Catholic Charities of your choice.