Obituary of Carolyn Grace Kerr

Carolyn Grace Kerr, 82, of Fairmont, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Saturday, February 24, 2024, in her home. She was born on July 20, 1941, in Clarksburg, WV, the daughter of the late Cecil E. and Madie V. Morley DeVault. She was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, Reverend James M. Kerr. Mrs. Kerr is survived by her children, Elizabeth Lopez of Wallace, WV, Jon Kerr and his wife Jennifer of Troy, TN, and Drs. Laura Hill and her husband John of North Port, Florida, her eight grandchildren, Dr. John Lopez, Cecil Lopez, Steven Lopez, Beth Rager, Eric Lopez, Madie Barnett, Kathryn Hays, and Bradyn Kerr, as well as six great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband and parents, Carolyn was preceded in death by her brothers, Cecil Delmar DeVault and Cecil Kenneth DeVault, and her close aunt, Virgie DeVault. Carolyn was a 1958 graduate of Morgantown High School, and a 1961 graduate of West Virginia University with a bachelor’s degree in music. She dedicated her life to God’s ministry through music. She taught herself to play the piano at a young age and began playing at church at 12. She married the love of her life on December 23, 1962. James was an ordained Methodist minister, and she often played at the churches he served as well as many others, including Spruce Street, Barrackville, First Presbyterian, Highland Avenue, Christ Episcopal, and Fleming Memorial. Carolyn taught piano lessons to many children throughout her life both privately and with Klingensmith Music Company. She served as a past band director at Marlington High School for several years. Carolyn retired in 2010 as a principal with the Marion County Board of Education having served over 19 years with Monongah Elementary. Prior to her career at Monongah, she was a music teacher within Marion and Monongalia Counties for over 15 years. She dedicated her life to serving children and others, which included volunteering with CASA of Marion County and Fairmont General Hospital. She was instrumental in starting the Alpha Christie group at Barrackville United Methodist Church. Carolyn loved her family with all her heart and looked forward every year to the annual beach vacation at Outer Banks as a place of peace and comfort for the family. The family has entrusted the arrangements to the Ford Funeral Home, Ford Chapel, 201 Columbia Street, Fairmont, WV 26554. Friends will be received in the funeral home on Thursday, February 29, 2024, from 3PM until 8PM. Visitation will continue Friday, March 1, 2024, from 10 am until 11 am at the Barrackville United Methodist Church, 409 Pike St, Barrackville, WV 26559. The funeral service will be held on Friday at 11 am in the church with Reverend Stephanie Bennett officiating. Interment will follow at the Mt. Zion Cemetery. Online condolences may be extended to the family at www.fordfuneralhomes.com.