Obituary of Carolyn Arthur Exum

Carolyn Arthur Exum left this earth to become an angel on June 18, 2016, after a lengthy illness. She was born to be a caretaker, in Spur, Texas on August 21, 1938, always concerned about the welfare of others. She was a loving daughter, sister, wife, mother and 'mamaw'. After graduating from high school, Carolyn became a devoted wife to James (Jim) Exum, since they married, October 28, 1956. She was a stay at home mom until their children were school age when she began and continued working for years in service as a secretary in various organizations. She was the mother the other kids knew. If there was a mom at the school, all the kids would let us know, and it wasn't because we were in trouble! Carolyn became a grandmother for the first time in 1981 and went on to be 'mamaw' to 7 more grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren whom she loved dearly. From her 'Little Myna Bird" to 'Little Britches', all were precious. She loved to bowl, while she was able, and was one of the best cooks around. Carolyn will be remembered as a bright shining light to all whose lives she touched and will be deeply missed. She was preceded in death by her parents, CW Arthur and Bessie Lee Arthur, sister, LaVerne Grider, brother, Sonny Arthur, and in-laws, Ermer J. Exum and Opal Exum. Celebrating her legacy are her husband of almost 60 years, James (or Jim as he's affectionately called), daughter Jamye and husband, Alan Swinford, Crane, TX, daughter Judi Burkhalter, Albuquerque, son, Jimmie and wife, Robin Exum, Lubbock. Grandchildren are Callye and Bernie Alvarado, Bryce Swinford, Tyson and Jennivee Swinford, Aaron and Becky Burkhalter, Dustin Burkhalter, Ashley Exum Rico, Trae Exum and Jaxon Exum, sister, Kay and Clarence Ashmore, Brother Charles and Jane Arthur, Brother Bo and Sue Arthur and sister in law, Ruth Arthur as well as 9 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Visitation will be held Thursday, June 23, from 6:00pm to 8:00pm at Riverside Funeral Home, 225 San Mateo NE in Albuquerque. A Remembrance luncheon will be held at 11:30am Friday, June 24, at Bosque Farms Baptist Church. Services will be held at 2:00pm Friday, June 24, at Riverside Funeral Home, 225 San Mateo NE, Albuquerque. Memorials, if desired, may be made to Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research. Arrangements entrusted to Riverside Funeral Home of Albuquerque, 225 San Mateo Blvd. NE (505)764-9663.