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.

A message from Chuck:

Carolyn, it’s been one year since you’ve been gone, and not a day passes without me thinking of the life we shared. We shared a beautiful journey together, from the west side of Las Vegas all the way to the Atlantic Ocean. We biked, explored the mountains, and if we saw a park, we’d walk for miles just for the joy of it. Every adventure with you was a pleasure. When your health began to decline and you couldn’t walk or bike as much, our adventures slowed, but our love never did. For the last 12 years of our marriage, I held your hand wherever we went, not just out of habit, but so you could grab on if you ever felt unsteady. I will always cherish every mile, every moment, and every hand I held with you. Love forever, Your Husband