Obituary of Carolyn Lofton

Carolyn Arlean Penney Lofton, 79, passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 25, 2017, in Lake Charles, LA, after bravely battling a disabling illness. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, May 28, 2017, at Hixson Funeral Home in DeRidder, LA. Visitation will begin at 1:00 p.m. until the time of service. Interment will be at Moore Memorial Gardens in Arlington, TX. Carolyn was born on March 29, 1938, to Earl and Gertrude Weick Penney in DeRidder, LA, the third of eight children. She was a 1956 honor graduate of DeRidder high School, after which she earned a B.A. degree in Education at Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, LA, graduating with honors in 1960. She then taught elementary classes for several years. Carolyn married Wayne Lofton of Natchitoches in 1964 and had one child, Gregory Wayne Lofton. She left the teaching profession to devote full-time care to her son, who was afflicted with cerebral palsy from birth. Out of a deep compassion for others, she gave generously to many charitable organizations and the Lutheran Church throughout her life. Carolyn resided in Arlington, TX, the last 48 years of her life where her husband was employed in the aero-space industry. While continuing to care for her son in her home, she was employed as a proofreader for Taylor Publishing Company of Dallas and later employed by the Arlington Independent School District. Carolyn was preceded in death by her parents; husband and son; and brother, Victor "Skipper" Penney. She is survived by her loving family; sisters, Juanita Thornton and husband Jack of DeRidder, Evelyn Malone of Georgia, and Maxine Cely of Burkburnett, TX; brothers, Billy Penney and wife Dianne of DeRidder, Paul Penney and wife Dianne of DeRidder, and Charles Penney and wife Brenda of California; and numerous nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, friends wishing to honor her memory are asked to contribute to a charity of their choice.