of England, AR

July 4, 1958 - April 6, 2025

Dr. Carolyn S. Brodie of England, Arkansas passed away at the age of 66 on Sunday, April 6, 2025. Carolyn was born on July 4, 1958 to the late George and Sue Brodie in Monroe, Louisiana. Carolyn had recently returned to her hometown of England, Arkansas where she grew up and attended school. She graduated from England High School in 1976. She was elected and served as senior class President and was the recipient of the ''I Dare You!'' Leadership Award. Carolyn embodied the characteristics of this award: personal integrity, balanced living, and motivation for leadership.

Carolyn was a lifelong lover of school, learning and educating. Her goal was to have her PHD in Library Science at the age of 30. She began her college career at the University of Central Arkansas in Conway the summer of 1975. After graduating high school in May of 1976 she continued her education at UCA and graduated with a BA, BSE and MSE. This was just the beginning of collecting letters behind her name. After graduating from UCA, Carolyn returned to her alma mater and taught at the England Elementary School and was librarian at the England High School. When school was out for summer break Carolyn was attending Vanderbilt in Nashville, TN where she earned another set of letters, MLIS. She then headed to Texas Woman's University in Denton, Texas. She reached her goal at the age of 30 and earned more letters behind her name, an MA.Ed and a PH.D. in Library and Information Science. With her goal achieved it was time to share her vast knowledge and put all those letters to work.

Dr. Carolyn S. Brodie was highly sought after by many universities. She and her husband Jim decided together that Kent State University in Kent, Ohio would be their new home. Dr. Brodie was touted as the wizard who revitalized Ohio's youth services. This was only one of the many accomplishments in her 25 year career as a professor at Kent State. Her love of libraries, children and youth books was shared with her students and the library science community.

Dr. Brodie is known around the world as an expert and advocate in the field of children's literature. She served on ALA's Notable Children's Books Committee, the Caldecott Committee and twice on the Newbery Committee (once as chair).

Carolyn married her late husband Jim Herbst May 20, 1988 in Dallas, Texas.They were married 32 years and spent those years traveling the world, spending time with family and friends, loving and caring for their doxies. Carolyn was known as ''Cissy'' to her 6 nieces and nephew. When returning to Arkansas to visit family she always brought home the best gifts for all. Her nieces and nephew loved spending time with their Cissy in Ohio visiting Amish Country, The Winking Lizard, Rock N Roll Hall of Fame, Put-N-Bay, and Niagara Falls just to name a few. By whichever name you called her, Carolyn, Cissy or Dr. Brodie, you knew she was generous, genuine and humble.

Carolyn is survived by her sister, Lana Brodie Walls and brother in-law Luchen Walls Jr, niece Kylie Walls Minton (Bart), niece Kagan Ness, nephew Luke Walls, great nieces Olivia, Madison, Kate Henri Minton and Leah Rose Ness. Jim's sons Todd and Scott Herbst and granddaughters Madeleine and Anna Herbst. Carolyn is also survived by her Ohio family Priscilla Drach, Greg Byerly and Richard Rubin.

Per her wishes, no formal service will be held.
Memorials may be made in her memory to the Baptist Preparatory Lower School Library.

The Baptist Preparatory School
62 Pleasant Valley Drive
Little Rock, Ar 72212

Obituary Provided By:
Roller-Chenal Funeral Home
13801 Chenal Parkway
Little Rock, AR  72211
www.rollerfuneralhomes.com