Carolyn Candice Copper was born to Clifton Carroll Copper and Jean Pauline Handy on March 22, 1955, in Salisbury, Maryland. Carolyn took great pride in her Eastern Shore roots.

Carolyn was raised with her older brother Clifton Jr. in Plainfield, New Jersey. They shared a close bond and a love for music, and on occasion, she would often help herself to her brother’s private record collection when he wasn’t around.

Growing up in Plainfield became a pivotal chapter in Carolyn’s life. This time helped shape her values and character, desire for community and relationships, gain many lifelong friends, and made her an undisputed “Jersey Girl.” Her love for community led her back to Jersey for her class reunion every ten years. Most recently, while attending her 50th reunion in September of 2023, Carolyn was surprised with a musical tribute by one of her childhood classmates, Connie Jenkins, who was determined to show Carolyn how much she valued their friendship.

Carolyn advanced through the Plainfield school district but ultimately graduated from Watchung Hills Regional High School in 1973 after her parents moved to Warren, NJ. As co-captain of the cheerleading squad, she gained a sense of teamwork and compromise. In 1977, Carolyn graduated from Kean University of New Jersey, where she met her husband, Calvin Wood. They were united in marriage on December 22, 1979, and celebrated 44 years together. They were blessed with three children from this union: Cristin Candice, Crystal Corinne, and Cristopher Corey.

She began her career as an elementary school teacher in Plainfield, New Jersey, and ended her public teaching career in the Cleveland Heights/University Heights and Maple Heights districts. Carolyn ended her career prematurely and did what Ephesians 6:1-2 commands us to do,

Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. Honor your father and mother (this is the first commandment with a promise).

Carolyn became the primary caretaker for her mom for 23 years – loving her through dementia in her final years. Despite her trials, including chemotherapy, radiation treatments, and two hip replacements, she remained committed to taking care of her mother.

Family was everything to Carolyn. Her loving relationship and close bond with her grandmothers prepared Carolyn for her most important role: being a dedicated and nurturing mother. Being a mother to her three children was her greatest joy. She loved pouring into them, being their advocate, encouraging them to pursue their dreams, and creating a safe space to learn and explore without judgment. This joy expanded when she became a grandmother (CeCe) to her four grandchildren. She showered them with cuddles, kind words, kisses, and valued every moment.

Carolyn was a charter member of Abundant Grace Fellowship, where she served as a greeter, was a member of a Grace Group, and loved being part of the praise dance ministry. Carolyn loved to dance, from ballet lessons as a child to asking her children to teach her the latest two steps so she could keep up with current trends. She enjoyed giving impromptu living room performances to Alabaster Box when they came home to visit. However, she didn’t necessarily need an audience, and would regularly have solo dance parties with just her and her speaker.

She was diagnosed with stage three lung cancer in March of 2017. She fought hard to have as many memories as possible with the family and friends she cherished deeply. Carolyn is survived by her husband Calvin, brother Clifton Jr.; children Cristin Candice, Crystal Corinne, and Cristopher Corey; daughter-in-law Armani Wood; grandchildren Nehemiah Austin Babb, Josiah James Babb, Cori Imani Wood, and Clarke Naomi Wood, brothers-in-law Brian Wood and Michael Wood; sister-in-law Mia Roberson-Wood; son-in-law Michael Babb; nephews Howard Johnson and Clifton Copper III, nieces Christiana Copper and Tyisha Thomas; and a host of cousins and chosen family.

Carolyn’s legacy lives on in the hearts of those touched by her love, kindness, and unwavering commitment to family and community. She will be remembered for her infectious laugh, captivating and detailed storytelling, distinctive flare, and loving spirit.

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