Carolyn Files

Carolyn Files, 68, of Oak Ridge, Louisiana, passed away in Monroe, Louisiana on July 29, 2021, after a brief illness of cancer. Carolyn was born October 26, 1952 in Rochester, New York, and was the only child of Thomas Russell (Trot) Files and Harriet Laffey Files. Carolyn grew up in Monroe, where she graduated from Neville High School and the University of Louisiana Monroe with a degree in General Studies.

Carolyn lived in Monroe and worked for the university for many years before moving to the Village of Oak Ridge, where her family has lived for many generations. Carolyn made herself essential and much loved in Oak Ridge by cheerfully doing a variety of things for members of the community: sitting with the sick, running errands, operating the library, and pet sitting.

Carolyn was quick-witted and intelligent and was happy to engage in conversation with friends old and new. She was a prolific writer and poet and an intrepid traveler, and published countless articles about life in Louisiana and her adventures to places near and far. Her most prominent trait, one that endeared her to many, was her profound level of affection for all creatures great and small. She fed and nursed every living creature that came her way for years.

Carolyn made friends in many ways and places at the same time she was supportive of her family and her community. She will be sorely missed by many. Somewhere in a special area of heaven there is a short blond angel surrounded by thousands of loving creatures; heaven for them all.

Carolyn was preceded in death by her parents, her cherished aunt and traveling companion Maude Files Zimmer, and many other members of a large extended family. She is survived by nieces, nephews, cousins, and countless dear friends. Family and friends have found appropriate homes for Carolyn’s beloved four goats, three dogs, and numerous cats.

On Saturday, October 30, a private family interment of Carolyn’s ashes will be followed by an outdoor blessing of the animals in Carolyn’s memory and a memorial celebration of Carolyn’s life. The public event will begin at 11:00 a.m. at Starr Homeplace Heritage & Creativity Center, 5317 Highway 133 North, Oak Ridge. Friends and family are all invited, and asked to bring potluck refreshments.

Memorials may be made to the Morehouse Humane Society or Starr Homeplace Heritage & Creativity Center.