Carolyn Jo (Jackson) Kools

Carolyn J. Kools, 75, of Tampa, Florida passed into the Spiritual World on April 25, 2019. She will be remembered as a happy mother, wife, and professional, committed to helping others to realize and reach their greatest potential. Carolyn is survived by her husband of 33 years, Kevin Kools of Tampa, FL; sons, John Craven Broughton, III and Allen Lentz Broughton, both of whom reside in Atlanta, GA. Additionally she has two lovely teenage granddaughters, Noelle Reese and Hadley Grace Broughton, also living in Atlanta, GA. Her family would like to extend their gratitude to numerous people dedicated to her care, including The Royal Sun Park Memory Care Home, The Melech Hospice House and the caregivers and friends dedicating their time focused on her comfort, safety and care throughout her time of need. Carolyn was born September 3, 1943 in Goldsboro, NC and was preceded in death by her parents, Clara and Wilbert Jackson. Following her graduation from Goldsboro High School, she attended Meredith College in Raleigh, NC to enhance her giftedness in piano and voice. She was a regular fixture during Sunday services playing the organ and often singing at The First Baptist Church in her hometown. After dedicating years as a mother in the raising of her two sons, Carolyn’s focus changed and in 1977 she completed her BSN at the University of North Carolina. Sigma Theta Tau invited her to become a member as a result of her academic excellence and leadership abilities in nursing. Carolyn’s career began as a critical care staff nurse at the Durham, NC VA Hospital. In 1982 she relocated to Tampa, FL to accept a nursing position at the James A. Haley VA Hospital, Tampa, FL. What began as a career as a staff nurse in a critical care capacity, evolved across the eastern seaboard into a series of escalating roles of depth and responsibility in Nurse Management, Education & Development, Recruitment and ultimately as Associate Chief Nurse with the Veterans Administration Boston Healthcare System. Her career consisted of over 30 years of service to our nations veterans and her work history facilitated the growth of nursing programs from Tampa, FL to the US Virgin Islands, Miami, FL, Charleston, SC and Boston, MA. Carolyn had traveled extensively throughout her life, having had the experience of visiting over fifteen countries on three continents. Her interest in people and her altruistic nature made it easy for Carolyn to make friends. Throughout her life she always had dogs surrounding her, most often teacup Yorkies or toy poodles, upon which she could coddle and dote. She was an incredible dancer, being accomplished in many styles, her favorite being the twist. Her talent won her several prizes but her primary goal was to have fun and enjoy the company of others. She was an avid player of bridge in her earlier years, again using this forum as an opportunity to meet people and enjoy their life stories. Carolyn Kools will honored at a private burial ceremony in Goldsboro, NC. Blount and Curry Terrace Oak Chapel are facilitating transport and service arrangements. Family and friends are invited to a luncheon on (date and time to be determined) at the Temple Terrace Golf and Country Club, 200 Inverness Avenue, Temple Terrace, FL 33617, Phone 813.988.1791. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Melech Hospice House in Temple Terrace, FL or the Alzheimer Association.

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