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
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14 Condolence(s)
Trent Roberts
Wednesday, April 16, 2025
It is with deep sorrow that I remember Dr. Carolyn Brodie, whose unwavering belief in my potential profoundly impacted my life. As a professor at Kent State University School of Library and Information Science, she saw something in me and offered me a graduate assistant position that jumpstarted my career as a school librarian—a path I cherish every day. Her guidance, passion for education, and dedication to her students will always be remembered and deeply missed. My heartfelt condolences to her family and loved ones during this difficult time.
Holly Haley
Tuesday, April 15, 2025
Lana and family, I was so sorry to hear of Carolyn’s passing. We had such good times when we were all kids and she would come to hang out with Janis at our house. I will remember her fondly. My condolences and prayers for all of you during this time.
Allison Kennedy Halter
Monday, April 14, 2025
Lana- I was so sorry to see Carolyn's Obituary in the England Democrat. I have such fond memories of you and her living behind our house in England. You both were always so sweet to me when I would show up on your doorstep to "play" :). I remember she had created her own library on the back porch of your home when she was very young. What a sign of the great things she would accomplish in her life as well as everyone else she mentored! So sorry for your loss - Allison
Elizabeth (Ellison) Kudravy
Monday, April 14, 2025
I was so saddened to hear of Dr. Carolyn Brodie’s passing. When I started out at Kent State University 17 years ago as a clerical specialist in the School of Library and Information Science, she was already a towering presence—respected, accomplished, and beloved. I was just starting my journey, at the very beginning of my career, and she was someone I looked up to with so much admiration. Despite the difference in our roles, Carolyn was always warm, funny, and kind. She carried herself with such grace and charisma, and yet was so approachable and considerate. Her presence made an impression that’s stayed with me all these years. My heart goes out to her family, colleagues, and all who knew and loved her. She was truly one of a kind.
Judith K Campbell
Sunday, April 13, 2025
Carolyn was instrumental in stumulating students to become the best Children's Librarians ever. She was very proud ans instrumental to all of their careers. I had the pleasure of working with her, speaking to her classes and even teaching one of them while she was on sabattical. She was amazing.
Godspeed Carolyn.
Mary Miller
Saturday, April 12, 2025
Dr Brodie was an amazing person and teacher who truly revitalized the children’s librarian program within the Library and Information graduate school at Kent.
Lisa Weiser
Saturday, April 12, 2025
Carolyn Brodie brought so much joy to everything she did. She was a staunch supporter of the importance of libraries and children's literature but she did it with such enthusiasm that you couldn't help but be swept along with her. I was fortunate to be in her first children's lit class when she came to KSU. She read a picture book to us almost every class period and it was always the bright spot in my day. I always remember her telling us to wear interesting shoes when doing story time because children sitting on the floor would notice, and they did!
I went on to have a great career as a branch library manager. I was always happy to see Carolyn at conferences and we often ran into her and Jim out and about. She was a force for good in the world. My condolences to her family.
Christina Getrost
Friday, April 11, 2025
Dr. Brodie was the BEST. A warm caring generous woman with a huge heart and wonderful sense of humor, and a brilliant educator who nurtured and mentored so many new librarians and school media specialists as we entered the field. We all wanted to BE her in our jobs. She always upheld high standards and I admired her so much. I miss her sparkling smile and sweet Southern voice and her laugh. Her memory will always be a blessing to me and having worked with her on the Virginia Hamilton Conference board is one of if not the highlight of my career in librarianship. Rest in peace, Carolyn.
Jenni Haag
Friday, April 11, 2025
I would not have become a children's librarian without Dr. Brodie. I was in the middle of my graduate studies when my mom was diagnosed with cancer. I wanted to quit and leave the program to be able to take care of my mom. Dr. Brodie told me that my mom would not want me to do that (she didn't) and that she didn't want me to do that either. I continued with my studies, graduated with my MLIS degree, and became a children's librarian shortly thereafter.
Dr. Brodie was not only my professor and advisor, but my role model as well. I learned so much from her. She guided me and so many other students, leaving behind a tremendous legacy. When I emailed her to tell her that I had gotten hired as a children's librarian, she was so happy for me. She told me that I would fit right in with the kids I would be working with. I hope that was a compliment because after almost 20 years it is absolutely true!
Now Dr. Brodie has a front row seat to watch her former students in action all over the world. What an incredible thing that must be. Rest in peace, Dr. Brodie. Thank you for everything.
Tim Protiva
Thursday, April 10, 2025
The semester that Dr. Brodie started at Kent State was the same semester that I started my MLS. She was a wonderful, nurturing mentor who brought out the best in me. Any time I would go back to Kent State after I graduated (especially for the Virginia Hamilton Conference) her warm smiling face would greet me as well as an enveloping hug. What she did for the study of youth literature and the program at Kent State was extraordinary to say the least! The grants she was awarded, the conferences she help create, plus the countless grad students she taught- her legacy will live on forever. Now- almost 34 years later- I am so so honored to say she helped me form my foundation of library services for children. Rest in Peace, Dr. Brodie. You have touched so many live- and the world is a better place for it!
Angela Wojtecki
Thursday, April 10, 2025
I am sorry to hear of Dr. Brodie's passing. I was blessed to be one of her graduate assistants at Kent State and she left a lasting mark on me and my life. Her love for life and learning is what always stood out to me, and she always had an amazing story to share with me. She taught me so many invaluable lessons on leadership and the impact of school libraries. The power of relationships is what resonates with me when I think of Dr. Brodie, and she will always hold a very special place in my heart.
Sonja DeShon Buchanan
Wednesday, April 9, 2025
So sorry to hear this. She was a real asset to every community she served. She will be missed
Tracey B Philley
Wednesday, April 9, 2025
What a special lady she was!
Kelly Morgan Cobb
Tuesday, April 8, 2025
Carolyn was the big sister to Lana, but also Scarlett, Susan, Melissa, Tracie and me. She chauffeured us between Krogers and Spradlin’s more times that could ever be counted. She took us from the High School to Dairy Delight #1almost daily for lunch. We were so lucky that Lana shared her big sister with all of us. Thank you Lana. We love you, and know how much Carolyn will be missed.