Carolyn Elaine Outlaw

Carolyn Elaine Bell was born May 20, 1937. She was raised by her parents Raphael and Lorrine Howard on Linwood Ave. along with her six siblings. She was the second eldest of seven children.

She grew up in Evansville, IN and is a proud alumni of Lincoln Douglas High school.

After graduation, she did various jobs, but settled in as librarian at East Branch Library. Here she made her mark in the community. Generations of children and parents alike sat her knee of knowledge and learned. From hosting Girl Scouts to afternoon movies, to exposing children to famous poets like Nikki Giovanni, she opened up unlimited worlds through her love of books. “The library lady”, as she was fondly called shared 45 tireless years to generations in the community.

While her love of books was strong, her love of God was stronger. When asked how she was doing, “Blessed and highly favored” was always her immediate response. Mother Outlaw was a member of Johnson’s Temple, COGIC and then Watkins Temple COGIC for the last 50 years. Her love for God was indeed first in her life.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Raphael and Lorraine Howard, daughter LaSonya Outlaw and her sister, Doris Jean Hardin. She is left to be mourned by her loving husband of 60 years, Clayborne Outlaw, and her children: Eurana Garcia (Axel), Donque Outlaw, Regina Garnett, Robert Davis, Gina Davis, Beatrice Ellis (Steve) and Clara Johnson. Along with her siblings, Janice Coleman, Gloria Draper, Raphael Curtis Howard, Marilyn Hardaway (Alfonso) and Patricia Tsari. A multitude of loving grandchildren, great grandchildren , nieces and nephews, cousins and friends. She also leaves a host of God children including Linda Coleman and Charlie Johnson. Each heart she held close.