Carolyn Kenworthy

Carolyn Beard Kenworthy, 94, of Grand Rapids went home to be with the Lord, Monday, June 22, 2026.  Carolyn was born in Springfield, Ohio. She was preceded in death in 2018 by her beloved husband, John Kenworthy. Carolyn is survived by her three children: Christine Kenworthy and husband Terry Wheeler of The Woodlands, Texas, Carol Kenworthy of Grand Rapids and Paul Kenworthy, and wife Lisa Bomgaars, of The Woodlands, Texas.  She has nine grandchildren: Jack Wheeler of The Woodlands, Texas; Jillian Flook and husband, David of Peapack, New Jersey; Megan Kenworthy of Brooklyn, New York; Jessica Kenworthy and husband, Adam Hall; Phillip Johnson and wife, Sarah; Matthew Kenworthy and wife, Jamie; Rebecca Johnson, Rachael Johnson, Andrew Kenworthy, all of Grand Rapids, as well as by six great grandchildren: Isabel Hall, Olivia Hall, Noah Hall, Gemma Kenworthy, Ruby Flook and Marin Flook and an additional soon-to-arrive Kenworthy great grandson.

Born and and raised in Springfield, Ohio, Carolyn attended high school and graduated from Wittenberg University, also in Springfield. She was working in the college offices when she first laid eyes on the love of her life, John. Married in Springfield in 1952, the couple initially both taught school. John’s work took them to Fort Wayne and then Indianapolis, Indiana. Carolyn continued to teach in elementary schools until another relocation to Springfield, Illinois and ultimately to Grand Rapids in 1970. A longtime member of the Congregational Church in Michigan, Carolyn sang solos and participated in choir for many years. She played piano and loved music and passed that love on to her kids, as well.

She persevered through many surgeries and health issues, but she and John were still able to pursue their love of travel, visiting Mexico, Europe, Australia and New Zealand. Carolyn and John traveled the US with John playing national competition senior softball. Carolyn was a big supporter of John’s athletic endeavors and sports enthusiams. She and John were also competitive bridge players for many years. 

Carolyn was a homemaker who enjoyed cooking and gourmet foods so much that in later years, she worked as a gourmet food distributor and called on stores all over western Michigan and as far north as Mackinac Island. She faithfully observed Fridays as a “hair salon” day for almost all of her adult life – a commitment that was the subject of many family jokes which she handled with great tolerance. She loved word search puzzles and soft-serve ice cream (actually any ice cream), once described herself as a “cone-asseur.”   

Carolyn lived independently at Heather Hills in Grand Rapids from 2018 until a health crisis sent her to Corewell Cedar in January this year. She made a point of smiling as much as she could every day. The family takes comfort and joy in her Salvation and Peace.

The family would like to thank the staff members at Heather Hills, Corewell Cedar and Corewell Hospice who provided loving care.  Special thanks to members of Ada Congregational for their faithfulness in calling on her the last eight years of her life.

John 10:28   I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them out of My hand.

             A smile that bubbles from the heart and loves its fellowmen

            Will drive away the clouds of gloom and coax the sun again

            A smile, with gentle kindness blent,

           Is worth a million dollars but never costs a cent

                    From "The Value of A Smile" by Wilbur D. Nesbit

                    A poem much quoted by Carolyn’s mother, Jessie Beard

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for those wishing to do so to make donations to The Alzheimer’s Association.   

A service celebrating Carolyn’s life will be held in early August; details to follow.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Carolyn Kenworthy, please visit our floral store.