Carolyn McCown, 72, died March 3, 2006, at Whidbey General Hospital, Coupeville. She was born in Idabel, Okla., on July 20, 1933, to Albert T. and Edna (Hosey) Taylor. She attended school and at the age of 17, left school to marry Maurice McCown.

Carolyn and Maurice moved to California, settling first in Ontario and then Redondo Beach and finally Visalia. Carolyn worked as a restaurant waitress for many years. She also attended classes at Visalia Junior College, earning her associate arts degree.

In 1970 Carolyn applied for and was hired as a clerk/typist for the superior court system in Visalia. Her hard work and perseverance paid off and she eventually achieved the title of Chief Deputy Clerk for the court. She retired in 1997. Carolyn was very proud of her job skills and her success in government. She was preceded in death by her husband Maurice in 2000, and in 2002, moved to Oak Harbor to be near her daughter.

Carolyn was an excellent seamstress, cook, recipe hound and avid reader. She was a resident of Regency of Oak Harbor and was very active in all of Regency’s events including bingo, poker, and loved to assist with Happy Hour events. She was very proud of her family.

Carolyn is survived by three children and their spouses: Gerry and Tom Stonebarger of Cozad, Neb.; James D. McCown and Juanita of Fresno, Calif.; and Morissa and William Carpenter of Oak Harbor, and one sister Ruhama Pate of Wichita Falls, Texas.

Memorial services for Carolyn McCown were held at Regency of Oak Harbor on March 5 with Rev. David Lura of the First United Methodist Church of Oak Harbor officiating. Cremation was held with graveside services to follow at the Visalia Cemetery, Visalia, Calif., at a later date. Arrangements were entrusted to Burley Funeral Chapel, Oak Harbor.