Graveside services for Carolyn Horton, Age 77 of Seymour, Missouri will be at 1 PM on Tuesday, August 26th, 2025 at The Missouri Veterans Cemetery, 5201 South Southwood Road, Springfield, MO 65804.
Carolyn Rhea (Jones) Horton, 77, of Seymour, Missouri, entered into eternal rest on August 21, 2025. She was born on February 25, 1948, in Gassville, Arkansas, to Virgil and Carrie Jones.
She was a member of the Calico Rock, Arkansas Church of Christ.
On October 16, 1966, Carolyn married the love of her life, Danny Horton. Together they shared a beautiful journey filled with love, laughter, and adventure. They especially enjoyed their time traveling the country together, whether it was on the open road in a truck, visiting casinos across the United States, or exploring in their RV alongside her brother and family.
Carolyn was preceded in death by her beloved husband Danny Horton, her son, Steven Horton, her brother, Rex Cook, and her parents, Carrie and Virgil Jones.
She will be remembered as a devoted wife, loving mother, caring sister, and a proud grandmother and great-grandmother. Carolyn loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who brought her endless joy.
In her younger years, Carolyn enjoyed playing basketball and had a real talent for the game. Later in life, she found joy in playing bingo, sitting outside on warm summer days, watching birds and looking at flowers. She loved sharing time with those she loved most.
Her family and friends will remember her for her kind heart and her ornery streak that lead to the unconditional love she gave so freely. Some might have thought that her ornery streak was just stubbornness—but it was a tough love wrapped in humor and grit. She kept everyone in line, making sure no one slacked off, and reminded her family that they are stronger than they know. It came across as bossy or sharp at times, but really it was the best way of showing her unconditional love, by making sure the family didn’t get too comfortable or forget what mattered. That playful toughness keeps us all on our toes, and in its own way, it holds us together. Her loved ones know it comes from love, because only someone who truly cares would put that much effort into keeping her family sharp, steady, and accountable.
Carolyn’s legacy will live on in the hearts of her family and all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her daughter, Melissa Carol (Horton) Dean and husband, Carl Ray Dean, grandson, Mike Calvin Dean and wife, Amanda Marie Dean, grandson, Travis Blaine Price and wife, Andrea Lynn Price, granddaughter, Carlissa Mae Smythe and husband, Travis James Smythe, daughter-in-law, Danielle Regina Horton, grandsons, Steven Wayne Horton Jr., Daniel Brendon Horton, and Dawson Dennis Horton, great-grandchildren, Clayton Wade Dean, Olivia Grayson Dean, Karter Blaine Price, Kaden Blaine Smythe, Braden Ray Smythe, Taylin Grace Price, Isabella McKinley Smythe, Ember Mae Smythe, and Daniel James Smythe. She will also be remembered by her extended family and friends.
