Carolyn Harris Kinnamon

Carolyn Harris Kinnamon, beloved daughter, sister, wife of 62 years, mother, aunt, grandmother and friend passed away peacefully at her home on February 22,2025. On April 27, 1940, Carolyn was born in Washington, DC to Dr. Lester W. Harris and Margaret Gilligan Harris. Carolyn and her brother, Roger, spent their childhood days in Washington DC and their summers in her beloved Bethany Beach. This is where her love of the beach and appreciation for the ocean in all its natural, beautiful glory was born, and continued throughout her life. Her favorite day of the year was the day they headed to Bethany Beach to start their summer. Her father opened a medical practice and moved the family to Silver Spring where Carolyn graduated from Blair High school in 1958. Carolyn attended The University of Maryland where she received her Bachelor of Science degree in Early Childhood Education. She loved every moment of being a Maryland Terp and immersed herself into the college experience wholeheartedly. She became a member of Delta Delta Delta sorority, and a Color Guard member of the University of Maryland marching band. She absolutely adored being a part of these organizations meeting many friends along the way. She joined the Chapel Choir where she met the love of her life, John Kinnamon. They thoroughly enjoyed singing in the choir and were able to share that experience with her brother Roger and future sister in law, Ann Dorman Harris. After graduating in 1962, Carolyn and John were married that summer in the University Chapel. The couple began their life together in Silver Spring, where Carolyn embraced her God- given talents and nurturing spirit to become a teacher. She taught first grade at a local elementary school. She was adored and valued for her warmth and dedication by both her students and their families. Following the birth of her son, Scott, and daughter, Laurie, Carolyn took a break from teaching to devote her time to raising her children, a role she embraced, becoming the epitome of a loving, giving, cherished mother. The family moved to the Ulmstead community in Arnold where they built their home with an attached dwelling for Carolyn's parents, Margaret and Lester. Surrounded by the beauty of the Magothy River, the expanded family made lasting memories and enjoyed spending time together. They made countless friends, joined dinner groups and Carolyn joined the Alphas bible study group. The ladies she grew to love from those neighborhood experiences formed lifelong bonds that Carolyn held dear throughout the remainder of her life. Carolyn and John became active members of the Woods Memorial Presbyterian Church choir where they shared their love of music , enjoyed the fellowship and formed many friendships. Carolyn passed down her love of the beach to her children, spending every summer making unforgettable memories in South Bethany with John and the kids. After her children left for college, Carolyn returned to her love of teaching, this time at Creative Beginnings Preschool in Arnold. She helped guide her students by providing an atmosphere of unconditional love and support. Through the years, on countless occasions, both students and parents have let us know that Carolyn made such a difference in their lives and was one of their most favorite teachers. As her family moved to the eastern shore, Carolyn's loving and nurturing spirit found a new role as "Mimi" to her beloved grandchildren: Meghan Harris and Michelle Elizabeth (Laurie and Mike Mastroberti's daughters) and John Harris (Scott and Eileen Kinnamon's son). Carolyn and John were ever-present in their grandchildrens' lives, attending every sporting event, award ceremony, musical performance and milestone, and imparting the values and love that helped shape them into the wonderful adults they are today. The closeness she shared with them, the traditions she helped build and her never ending kindness will remain a guiding force throughout their lives. Carolyn was also a dedicated member of a local chapter of PEO, a woman's philanthropic sisterhood. Through PEO, she formed true friendships and continued her legacy of service to others. Carolyn's ability to love unconditionally and selflessly left a lasting impression on all who knew her. Though she may have initially seemed shy, those who were fortunate enough to know her quickly realized she was not only hilarious and delightful to be around, she was the most loving person any family member could have known. Carolyn's life was a testament to the power of love, faith and service, truly exemplifying how to love others just as Christ loves us, and her memory will live on in the hearts of all who loved her. A Celebration of Life/Memorial service will be held at Woods Memorial Presbyterian Church on Tuesday, April 29th at 1:00pm (with reception to immediately follow). In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to help with the many wonderful causes Woods Church supports: Woods Memorial Presbyterian Church 611 Baltimore Annapolis Blvd. Severna Park, MD 21146

Carolyn Harris Kinnamon

April 27, 1940 - February 22, 2025