Carolyn Elizabeth Long Stephan, 86, passed away last year on Friday, September 3, 2021, in Birmingham, Alabama. Born in Wauchula, Florida on December 24, 1934, she was the daughter of the late JW and Inez (Daniels) Long.
After graduating from Hardee County High School in 1952, Carolyn earned a nursing degree from Gordon Keller School of Nursing in Tampa in 1955. She and her husband raised their two children in Jupiter, Florida, where she taught Health Occupations at Jupiter High School. During her 30-plus years of teaching, she established the first onsite training program at Jupiter Medical Center where her students learned in a hands-on environment. During her career, Carolyn was a nominee for the Dwyer Award for Excellence in Education and was named Teacher of the Year. After retiring in 2006, she relocated to Panama City, Florida, to be closer to her family.
Carolyn most enjoyed spending time with her children and grandchildren, as well as basking in the Florida sunshine. Her favorite pastimes included crossword puzzles, reading, cooking, baking, playing electronic casino games, and cheering on her favorite team, the Miami Dolphins.
Carolyn was predeceased by her husband of 38 years, Ralph Stephan; her parents, J.W. and Inez (Daniels) Long; her brother, Dr. John Long; and her son-in-law, Stephen Peacock.
Carolyn is survived by her two children, Kay Peacock of Birmingham, Alabama, and Rob Stephan and his wife, Lisa, of Ellington, Connecticut; and her three grandchildren: Kari Peacock of Birmingham, Alabama; Matthew Stephan and his wife Stephanie, of South Windsor, Connecticut; and Ally Stephan of Ellington, Connecticut. She is also survived by four nieces: Lesley, Amy, Jennifer, and Jessica.
A memorial celebration of Carolyn's life will be held graveside at Wauchula Cemetery where she will be laid to rest alongside her parents on Saturday, September 17, 2022, at 11:00.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Carolyn Stephan to Furry Friends Adoption, Clinic & Ranch at furryfriendsadoption.org/donate, or a check by mail to 100 Capital Street, Jupiter, FL 33458. While living in Jupiter, Carolyn often donated her time and other resources to Furry Friends. Her students also volunteered their time and helped raise donations for this not-for-profit, no-kill animal shelter.