Carolyn Verser Oudin

After a long and rich life, Carolyn Verser Oudin, 84, passed away peacefully on Wednesday evening in Little Rock, Arkansas surrounded by her family. Carolyn was born in Lonoke, Arkansas on October 31, 1932 to Earl and Maggie Verser. She was raised in a large farm family and was the youngest of eight children. She had very fond memories of growing up on a farm. She and her siblings have entertained the younger generation with funny and poignant recounts of their childhood years. At a young age Carolyn was assigned the job of biscuit maker and thus began her love for cooking. It is a tribute to Carolyn that such a large family was able to remain exceedingly close throughout their adult years. In 1956 Carolyn was introduced to Marc Oudin and after a short courtship they married and she moved to Pine Bluff. They raised four children and lived there for 35 years. She was very involved in Pine Bluff as a member of Junior Sesame, Junior League and First Presbyterian Church. In 1992, she and Marc moved to Little Rock, where she lived until her death. Carolyn's life was built around her love and devotion to her husband, four children and 10 grandchildren. Everyone could count on Carolyn to celebrate them and their accomplishments. Whether it was a college graduation or going on a first date, Carolyn was interested in each and every aspect of her loved ones' lives. She was the first to celebrate and rejoice over any good times. But she also never failed to lend a listening ear in times of sorrow or sadness. Carolyn selflessly put others needs before her own without fail. She was an exceptional cook, a wonderful hostess, and entertained with a flair. Carolyn was never happier than when her home overflowed with family enjoying her home cooked meals. She made every house a home; decorated beautifully, yet warm and comfortable. She instilled in her children many beautiful traits: the desire to learn, be open to new opportunities, and to be good spouses and parents. Carolyn, the ultimate caregiver, will be most remembered for her strength of character and love for her family. Carolyn is survived by her four children: Dora Jane Flesher (Greg) of Little Rock, Ann Jarrel (Willis) of Tyler, Texas, Marc Oudin Jr. (Nancy) of Pine Bluff, and Mary Mann (Bill) of Memphis, Tennessee; and ten grandchildren: Paxton, Whitney and Andrew Flesher, Catherine and Grace Jarrel, Edouard and Caroline Oudin, and William, Catherine and John Mann. The funeral service will be Friday, December 23 at 1 p.m. at Second Presbyterian Church, with a brief reception and a private burial to follow. The family requests that contributions in Carolyn's memory be made to Second Presbyterian Church, 600 Pleasant Valley Drive, Little Rock, Ark. 72227. Arrangements are by Ruebel Funeral Home, www.ruebelfuneralhome.com.