Carolyn Sowards

Carolyn June Sowards passed away on May 8, 2025, at the age of 84. She was born on December 25, 1940, in Stout, Ohio, to Coleman and Virginia Lucas. Carolyn was preceded in death by her devoted husband of 58 years, Jim; her parents; her brother, Charlie, and many beloved aunts, cousins, nieces, and dear friends. She is lovingly remembered by her son, Dr. J. Gregory Sowards (wife Nancy), and their children Gabe (wife Anna), Savannah, and Elizabeth; her daughter, Cheri Rettstatt (husband Jeff) and their children Michael, Cole, and Lily; her brother, R.C. Lucas (wife Rita), sisters-in-law, Lamona Lucas and Carol Sowards; and a large extended family of cousins, nieces, nephews, and countless friends. Carolyn was raised on the banks of the Ohio River, and her family, past and present is intertwined with the riverboat business. Life on the river left her with many fond memories and pride in her family’s river legacy. Carolyn graduated from Mount Vernon Academy in Mount Vernon, Ohio, and earned her bachelor’s degree in nursing from Columbia Union College. After college, she married Jim Sowards and settled in his hometown of Columbus, Ohio. There, she dedicated many years to nursing at Harding Hospital and other medical offices through the Columbus area. A devoted mother and servant of her church, Carolyn’s greatest joy came from supporting her children and serving the Worthington Seventh-day Adventist Church. She held numerous roles over the years, including Minister of Music, Church Secretary, Church Board chair, Trustee of the Church Corporation, member of the Church Building Committee, and organizer of children’s and youth programs, fellowship luncheons, and other ministries. Carolyn’s deepest passion was serving Christ through music. A gifted pianist and organist, she served her church in this role for 63 years, offering her talents humbly and faithfully in all areas of worship -from children’s programs to professional accompaniment. She organized music for countless worship services, vespers, weddings, and funerals with grace and care. Carolyn found immense joy in the presence and accomplishments of her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She will be missed by family and countless friends made over the years doing the things she loved most. She often said, “When I stand before Jesus, I want all of my gifts to be used up.” Indeed, she used every gift to its fullest in service, love, and music. The family will receive friends from 5:00-8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 13 at the Rutherford-Corbin Funeral Home, 515 High Street, Worthington, Ohio. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, May 14, at the Worthington Seventh-day Adventist Church, 385 East Dublin-Granville Road, Worthington, Ohio. Interment will be at Kingwood Memorial Park.

Carolyn Sowards

December 25, 1940 - May 8, 2025