Obituary

Karolyn White Soyars passed away June 7,2022 at the age of 78, following a brave battle with cancer. She was preceded in death by parents William Herbert White, Sr. and Elizabeth Fowlkes White of Yanceyville, NC and by brother William Herbert White, Jr. of Greensboro, NC. Karolyn is survived by her husband of 57 years Raymond Garry Soyars and their two sons Raymond Blake Soyars (Andrea) of Austin, TX and Edward White Soyars (Bridget) of Chester, VA. A very special granddaughter, Abigail Josephene Soyars, lives in Austin, TX. Karolyn has a sister Elizabeth White McClure living in Greensboro, NC and one niece and four nephews in NC and SC that she loved dearly. Karolyn grew up on a tobacco farm in Yanceyville, NC and had a very happy childhood and adolescence surrounded by grandparents, aunts and uncles and tons of cousins. Following marriage, she moved to Richmond and attended RPI (now VCU) and earned a degree in Sociology. Her career was as a case worker with the Chesterfield County Department of Social Services. She loved helping people and served many years with the Chesterfield Colonial Heights Christmas Mother Program. She was a very active member of Beulah United Methodist Church, serving on many committees and boards, and was deeply involved with the homebound visitation ministry.

Karolyn had a bubbly personality and lit up the room when she entered. She loved social events, dining out, tennis, bridge and any game that allowed her to be with her friends. We enjoyed many trips to Europe, but only traveled when we could share the experience with friends.  Karolyn was so proud of the men her two sons had become and the wonderful two women that they brought into our family along with that adorable granddaughter. The family would like to thank Ashley Abernathy Aviles and Hospice of Virginia for the compassionate care provided during Karolyn’s last days.

A Monday June 27 memorial service will be held at Beulah United Methodist Church with visitation at 10:00 and Memorial Service at 11:00 followed by a reception in the Fellowship Hall. A private family graveside service will be held Tuesday June 28 at Locust Hill United Methodist Church in Yanceyville, NC.  In lieu of flowers, the family suggests remembrances be sent to Beulah UMC or the Chesterfield Colonial Heights Christmas Mother Program.