Carolynn Joyce Eggenberg

Carolynn Joyce (Hill) Eggenberg was born July 17, 1931, to the late Leslie Hezekiah & Patty Pearl (Thompson) Hill. She passed away peacefully, in her home, on Wednesday, July 28, 2021, at the age of 90 years and 11 days.

Carolynn grew up in Davis, graduating from Davis High School, Class of 1949. Following high school, she attended East Central University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. It was while attending ECU that Carolynn met her true love, David M. Eggenberg, Jr.. After graduating, she taught second grade and music in Okemah, OK during the 1953-1954 school year and became engaged to David. On June 3, 1954, this young couple was united in marriage. Carolynn then taught second grade and music at Heronville Elementary School in Oklahoma City in 1954-1955, while David completed his last year of medical school. Years have passed, but she often spoke of her “little second graders” whom she dearly loved.

Davis was in need of a doctor. Several local civic leaders approached Dr. David and encouraged him to choose Davis to set up his practice. He asked, “Carolynn do you want to move back to your hometown?” She said, “Oh, I’d love to!!” (And you know the rest of this beautiful story.) They quickly became loved by this community and in return, they wholeheartedly loved this community.

Carolynn was very active in sharing her time and talents to enrich the community. She was a founding member of the Akomda Club, which is still going strong since 1958, and a member of the Euterpean Music Club and the Tuesday Study Club.

Carolynn was named an Outstanding DHS Alumni, as well as awarded Davis “Woman of the Year” two times. She hosted several benefits for organizations, including the American Heart Association and the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Many will remember the bridal and baby showers she hosted, as well as the Sunday School picnics and hayrides, and the country & western dance parties she and Doc held on the ranch.

Carolynn was hands-on in caring for the ranch and enjoyed giving young children rides in the pickup to see the Hereford bulls. She had quite a range of skills and interests, and her children remember fondly the Harley Davidson motorcycles she and Doc each had in their earlier years, and how the four of them would ride all over Murray and Johnston Counties.

Carolynn loved music. She sang and played the piano beautifully and instilled a love of music in each of her children. She also dearly loved all of the people at the Burford Manor Nursing Home. Every month for over 30 years, Carolynn shared her heart and talent by playing the piano and singing there, in celebration of the residents’ birthdays. This brought great joy and happiness to her life as well as theirs.

Carolynn also loved poetry and could recite many famous poems. In her later years, she enjoyed scenic drives and ice cream with her children while listening to The New Testament on CD, narrated by James Earl Jones, and would often recite scripture along with him.

Although Carolynn had tremendous love for her husband, children, and people from all walks of life, her greatest love was that for her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. She loved her Lord with all her heart, her soul, her strength, and her mind. She was a life-long member of the First Baptist Church of Davis, where she and Dr. David were married and raised their two children. For many years, she taught the Beginner Sunday School Class and Vacation Bible School and sang in the church choir.

Carolynn Eggenberg was undeniably one of the sweetest, most kindhearted individuals to ever walk the streets of her beloved community. She was truly an inspiration to all. Her peaceful spirit, and her love, kindness, compassion for others and generosity will remain in the hearts of all who knew her. In her memory, let us all live out her most favorite scripture, Psalm 103.

Carolynn is survived by her son, David Eggenberg, III; daughter, Karen Kapella & husband Tom; aunt, Lucille Deringer; as well as several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In addition to her parents, Carolynn was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Dr. David Eggenberg MD on February 4, 2006; and her sister, Leslie Sue Healey on January 31, 2021.

A celebration of Carolynn’s life will be held at 11:00 AM, Thursday, August 5, 2021, at the First Baptist Church in Davis, with Pastor Willard McCartney, Jr. officiating. A private family Interment will follow at the Green Hill Cemetery. For the well-being of those choosing to attend the service, the family respectfully asks that everyone please practice safety. Hand sanitizer will be provided and face-masks available (optional).

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial donations be made in Carolynn’s memory to any of the following: The First Baptist Church of Davis, PO Box 297, Davis, OK 73030; the Davis Public Schools Foundation, PO Box 333, Davis, OK 73030; or the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, 825 NE 13th Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73104.