Carolyn Jeanne Mullins Jones, 61, of Freeland, died at her Whidbey Island home on Thursday, Jan. 12, 2006, following a battle with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease.)

Carolyn was diagnosed with ALS four and one-half years ago and remained positive, loving and courageous to her final moments. She was pretty, always a lady, cared deeply about those close to her, loved children and was a wonderful teacher. She was very smart and had a strong will. Her fight against ALS was one of the many ways she showed that.

Carolyn grew up in Auburn, Ala., with her two brothers, David Jr. and Gary. Her family moved to Fayetteville, Ark. where she graduated from Fayetteville High School in 1962. She attended Stephens College in Columbia, Mo., for one year and then transferred to the University of Arkansas, where she received her undergraduate with highest honors in 1966.

After teaching for a few years, Carolyn moved to the Bay Area, and in 1973 received her master’s of arts degree in early childhood education from Stanford University.

Carolyn married James R. Jones in 1988, and they lived in Alameda, Calif. During this time, Carolyn tutored many grade school kids and was involved in some property management consulting. In 2000, Carolyn and Jim retired to Freeland on Whidbey Island.

Carolyn is survived by Jim, her loving husband and constant companion for 18 years; her two brothers, David W. Mullins, Jr. and wife Mary Ann of Greenwich, Conn. and Gary E. Mullins and wife Alison of Stevens Point, Wisc.; also, by three step-sons, Jeffrey D. Jones of Dillingham, Alaska, Michael K. Jones of Los Angeles, Calif., and Craig J. Jones and his wife Mayte of Portland, Ore.; also, two grandchildren, Cassandra (18) and Aaron (almost 2.)

A Memorial Service will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 18 at Trinity Lutheran Church, Pastor Jim Lindus officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the A.L.S. Association, Evergreen Chapter, 6627 S. 191st Pl., Suite F-106, Kent, WA 98032, or to Providence-General Children’s Association, 575 S. Michael Way, Camano Island, WA 98282.

Arrangements under direction of Burley Funeral Chapel.