Carolyn Wickam's Obituary
Carolyn Wickam, 92, of Seymour, passed away on Friday, October 13, 2017 at Wayne County Hospital in Corydon. Carolyn was born to Charles Addis and Edna (Harl) Staggs on July 7, 1925 in Genoa, Iowa. She received her education starting with a one-room school house near Genoa, and when consolidated, graduated from Seymour School in 1943. Carolyn's early life centered around church and the farm. Her mother insisted that Carolyn take piano lessons, many times trading an old hen or eggs for her lessons. Even though Carolyn was not thrilled with the lessons, through the years she had many times verbalized her gratitude for those lessons as they were used to play piano for church services. Carolyn accepted Christ as her personal Savior as a young person, and followed her faith for the rest of her life. She was a light and a beacon of faith for all those who knew her. Some of Carolyn's most vivid childhood memories were family get togethers at Grandma Harl's house. Playing and interacting with her many cousins was the source of many stories she would tell. After graduation, Carolyn put her education to work, teaching in the one-room schools in the area. Consolidation and decreased population changed the face of school districts in the area and Carolyn went on to work in other interests. As a young adult Carolyn was asked to play for a local gospel quartet. The young man who drove the quartet from small church to small church in Southern Iowa and Northern Missouri was a new banker for the Sawyer Savings Bank in Seymour. A romance developed and on June 19, 1949 Carolyn was united in marriage to John C. Wickam. This union lasted until John's passing in 1993. Two children were born from this union, Sherry Lynn and Charles Mark. Carolyn's fondest achievement in life was making a home and caring for her husband and family. She very much enjoyed having family meals, and having all of her family around the table. Her outside interests changed as her children grew. She was faithful in organizing and assisting with Bible School at their local church, the Evangelical United Brethren in Seymour, as well as being the pianist for church services. Carolyn was a member of a ladies sextet gospel singing group for many years, and formed lifetime relationships with these ladies. Several moms got together and decided the Seymour area needed a girl's 4-H club, and the Walnut Whipperettes was born. Sherry was a member and Carolyn stood as an assistant leader for several years. Mark was a member of the AWANAS Club at the First Baptist Church in Seymour. Carolyn assisted in many ways, however she was needed. While the children were in high school Carolyn was active with band parents, assuming leadership roles and working hard for the fall fundraiser auction. Her interests and support of her children did not end with their high school graduation. She was a great encouragement as they went through college and found work in their professional careers. She was very proud of Mark when he attained the position of Professor at Lee University in Cleveland, TN, and when Sherry became Administrator of the Appanoose County Public Health office. Carolyn bought out the newspaper of the announcement to send to various friends and relatives. During her active life, Carolyn went on to be involved with many organizations including Business and Professional Women, Wayne County Farm Bureau Women, various church activities, and Republican Women. She would occasionally work outside the home; Les Shepards' Variety Store, Dr. G.W. Marstons' medical office, Carpenters' Sale Barn, and Empire Gas, to name a few. One of her favorite activities was organization and participation in the local T.T.T. Chapter, a service organization. She was recognized as a charter member and received her 50 year pin at the State level. When grandchildren came along, her interest and caring continued to reading books, rocking, singing to them, and caring for them when they were ill. Dominoes and cards were favorite activities too. She followed the grandchildren's and great grandchildren's growth and interest with her same love and attention she gave her children. In later years, Carolyn also focused on the Seymour Community Center Board and congregate meals. She was faithful and consistent with her encouragement, participation and involvement. She was also an officer on the Seneca Board and later the Milestone Board. Carolyn also was the pianist for the Cambria Baptist Church for many years, traveling from Seymour to Cambria every Sunday while in her 80's and 90's. Survivors include two children: Sherry Middlebrook (Randy) and Mark Wickam (Lorri); grandchildren: Jennifer Szlanfucht (David), Ashlee Middlebrook, Mallory Wickam, Madison Wickam; great grandchildren: Hailey and Regan Szlanfucht; sister, Marian Elliott, as well as nieces, nephews and a host of friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband John C. Wickam and an infant sister, Dorothy Staggs. Funeral service will be Thursday, October 19, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. at Thomas Funeral Home in Corydon with Pastor Steve Larson officiating. Interment at the Southlawn Cemetery in Seymour immediately following the service. Visitation will be Wednesday, October 18, 2017 with the family present from 5-7 p.m. at Thomas Funeral Home in Corydon. Memorials may be given to the Cambria Baptist Church and condolences may be shared at www.thomasfh.com. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Carolyn Wickam please visit our Sympathy Store. Cemetery Details Southlawn Cemetery Visitation OCT 18. 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM (CDT) Thomas Funeral HomeCorydon 303 E. JeffersonCorydon, IA 50060[emailprotected] Funeral Service OCT 19. 10:00 AM (CDT) Thomas Funeral HomeCorydon 303 E. JeffersonCorydon, IA 50060[emailprotected]
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