Carolyn Sue Hamric

     Carolyn Sue Hamric died January 29, 2024, at Christus Highland Hospital. She was preceded in death by her parents, Horace “Johnny” Johnson and Beulah Catherine Johnson, her brother, John Michael Johnson, as well as her husband, Jimmie V. Hamric, and stepdaughter, Kimberly Hamric. Survivors include her two sisters, Catherine “Cay” Green and husband, Gary Green, and Patricia “Dina” Weldin as well as cherished nieces, nephews, and their extended families. 

     Carolyn Sue Johnson Hamric was born in Gulfport, Mississippi, a place that was dear to her heart, on February 18, 1945. Carolyn attended Werner Park Elementary, Midway Junior High School, and graduated in 1963 from Woodlawn High School—the first class to complete all three years at Woodlawn. 

     Carolyn, then, enrolled at Louisiana Tech, majoring in art and design. Upon graduation, her talent landed her a job in New Orleans at the prestigious Nahan’s International Design and work on homes like Al Hirt’s, the famous jazz musician, and the iconic St. Louis Cathedral. 

     After years in the Big Easy, Carolyn returned to Louisiana Tech on an art fellowship. Living in a small house off campus, she loved her students and teaching art. 

     When the fellowship ended, she returned to Shreveport. Living on Murray Street, not far from her elementary school, she began work at Riley Beard Industries that built tanks for industries and the railroad. She worked in a small white trailer on the back lot and produced all of Beard’s brochures, advertising, photography, etc. She was even tasked with helping to coordinate and DECORATE the massive warehouse every Christmas where the famous annual Riley Beard Christmas party for ALL employees and their families was held. This entailed making sure that there were presents for each employee and all family members. Not only did Santa arrive on cue, but state dignitaries, like US Senator Russell Long made appearances to shake hands and enjoy the fun. 

     Then, Carolyn returned to teaching art for a short time. She joined the Southfield Elementary School staff and taught art in a small building on the back of the property. She loved all her time there, both teaching and interacting with her kids. 

     Finally, Carolyn changed jobs one more time. She joined the staff at the Bossier Parish School Board Resource Center on Barksdale Boulevard to do all things “art” for the Bossier Parish School system.  Here she made life-long friends and enjoyed this new challenge. Carolyn attended school events, photographing students, teachers, parents, dignitaries, and board members, documenting their accomplishments, field days, festivals, and honors.  She produced school calendars, brochures, announcements, posters, etc., and she knew everyone down to the janitors in her building. This is the job from which she would retire. 

     Throughout all these life changes, she continued to paint. Her oil paintings included commissioned family portraits, dogs, horses and more. Her favorite subjects were cats, horses, bears, ducks and geese, and rare tree frogs. She won many competitions, and several of her paintings hung in the Shreveport Regional Airport and other locations around the city. Her painting of “Rima,” the heroine in Green Mansions, was even printed as cards and posters by the Costa Rica Tourist Commission. 

     Carolyn was, also, an avid member of the Shreveport Orchid Society where she won multiple awards for her stunning orchids.  From tiny rare green orchids to showy phalaenopsis, cattleya, and dendrobiums to dancing oncidiums, her greenhouse was full. Ribbons and awards were common.  

     Carolyn and Jimmie lived in Golden Meadows in Bossier City and attended Fellowship United Methodist Church. 

     Finally, due to unexpected medical conditions, she was moved to a nursing home for several years. Recently, she moved to Heritage Manor Stratmore in Shreveport, taking her well-worn King James Bible. Shortly after, she died on Monday, January 29, 2024, due to an infection. 

    We are indebted to the Colonial Oaks Rehab Center for their dedication in restoring Carolyn’s strength. Our family, also, thanks the nursing staff and aids at Heritage Manor Stratmore for their care and diligence, and the ER and Critical Care staffs at Christus Highland for their “all hands-on deck” attempts to save her. We are forever grateful.