Anderson, IN - Carolyn Joan Holbrook, 86, of Anderson, passed away peacefully at her home on Jan. 20, 2026.
She was born May 21, 1939, in Marion, to the Rev. Carl and Mary Poe. Carolyn lived in Indiana, South Dakota, and Chicago. While in Chicago, she met Robert Holbrook Sr. as a child through a friendship between their families, and that early connection grew into the love of her life. They later married and shared 63 years of marriage.
Carolyn loved the Lord and had a strong faith. Before moving to Anderson, she attended La Porte Church of God in northern Indiana, where she served faithfully as a Sunday school teacher and music director. Carolyn was active as a small group leader for many years here in Anderson, and because that group meant so much to her, she wanted them mentioned with gratitude. Most recently, she attended Park Place Church of God.
Carolyn was a wonderful homemaker and loved her family deeply. She kept the household running smoothly and gave her family stability, encouragement, and care through every season of life. She will be remembered as a devoted and loving wife, mother, and Grammy.
She is survived by her children, Robert Jr. (Marinda) Holbrook of Chicago, Illinois, Richard (Pam) Holbrook of Bradenton, Florida, and Kathleen (August) Zehner of Anderson; grandchildren, Robert III (Jessica) Holbrook, Libby Holbrook, Steven Holbrook, Nicholas (Nan) Zehner, Sarah (Eric) Seitz, and Zachary (Shelli) Zehner; great-grandchildren, Bobby, Lilly, and Wendy Holbrook, Claire, Emma, and Anna Seitz, Eddie and Charlie Zehner, and Auggy and Abby Zehner; sisters-in-law, Sharon Poe and Carol Coolidge; brother-in-law, Harlan Bartels; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her loving husband Robert Carl Holbrook Sr.; her parents, Carl and Mary Poe; her siblings, Barbara Bartels, Jeanette Hales Ogle, and Mark Poe; her twin daughters, Sheila and Sharon; and other beloved family members, including her brothers-in-law, Kenneth Holbrook, Robert Coolidge, and Delon Hales, and her sister-in-law, Lois Stringer.
Services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026, at Rozelle-Johnson Funeral Service, with Dr. Jonathan Grubbs officiating. A private burial will be in East Maplewood Cemetery.
Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m. on Saturday at the funeral home.
The family would like to thank the staff of Southern Care Hospice, especially Dr. David Mares and Nurse Patty.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Park Place Church of God.
Post online condolences at www.rozelle-johnson.com.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Carolyn, please visit our floral store.
Anderson, IN - Carolyn Joan Holbrook, 86, of Anderson, passed away peacefully at her home on Jan. 20, 2026.
She was born May 21, 1939, in Marion, to the Rev. Carl and Mary Poe. Carolyn lived in Indiana, South Dakota, and Chicago. While in Chicago, she met Robert Holbrook Sr. as a child through a friendship between their families, and that
Published on January 21, 2026
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In Memory of Carolyn Joan Holbrook