of Little Rock, AR
May 4, 1939 - January 9, 2024
Carolyn Gail Drane went home to the arms of Jesus on January 9, 2024. She was born on May 4, 1939 to Oliver and Alma Grunau in Cleveland, Ohio. She was an exceptional student and athlete throughout her school years, enjoying math and volleyball in particular. Her chosen vocation was nursing and she graduated top of her class from Lutheran Hospital Nursing School in Cleveland, OH in 1960. Later in life she became quite the ''power broker'' as a real estate agent, having been a multi-year million-dollar seller. She had the privilege to call many places in the US home North (Ohio/Michigan), East (Maryland), West (California) and South (Arkansas) where she lived until her death.
A life-long Lutheran, she was involved in several congregations across the country, most notably St. Luke's Ann Arbor, MI, Church of the Cross Rockville, MD, Atonement Woodland Hills, CA, St John's Bakersfield, CA, Faith Little Rock, AR, and finally Shepherd of Peace Maumelle, AR. At various times she participated in youth ministry, women's missionary league, church council and choir. She was also very involved and deeply passionate about the organization Lutheran Marriage Encounter. She and her second husband served in various administrative capacities with them for over 20 years. In her free time, she loved to travel near, far, airplane, car she loved it all. She particularly loved a month-long trip she took with her husband to Germany in the mid-80s.
She loved MGM musicals, big dangly earrings and even bigger shoulder pads. She was larger than life, with a voice that carried and a laugh to match.
She was preceded in death by her parents and husbands, Charles C. Schock, Klaus ''Whitey'' Gail and James W. Drane.
She is survived by her five children, Lisa, Carl, Maria, Lara and Erich as well as their spouses, numerous grand and great grandchildren. Her brother, Raymond Grunau and sister-in-law, Eileen are also still living as well.
A service celebrating her life will be held at 11 am Friday, January 19, 2024 at Shepherd of Peace Lutheran Church, 449 Millwood Circle, Maumelle, AR. (Live streaming will be available.)
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Compassion Center (Little Rock, AR), Christian Appalachian Project (Paintsville, KY) or PBS.
Please share your memories of Carolyn at www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/chenal.
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8 Condolence(s)
Hiromi Dolliver
Sunday, February 4, 2024
Carolyn was my sister in law and i shall miss being able to have long conversations with her.
Cookie Higgins
Friday, January 12, 2024
Attended church with both Jim & Carolyn. Carolyn loved to sing & her smile & laughter were like no other!!! May she rest in peace. Heaven will certainly be a brighter place!! Love and prayers for her family..
Miki Specht
Friday, January 12, 2024
We had such good times. We were each other’s strength through some had times. She was a blessing
Pat Mastropieri
Friday, January 12, 2024
So sorry to hear of her passing. She used to sit behind me during her time at Faith in LR.it was a privilege to hear her beautiful voice.
Condolences to her family.
James Payseno
Friday, January 12, 2024
I got to know Carolyn when she was a memeber of the Maumelle Senior Wellness Center. I was able to help with a few home repairs when she lived alone. She was always such a sweet lady and I will miss her dearly. Prayers for her family.
Nancy Bullard
Thursday, January 11, 2024
I cherish all the memories of living next door as a child coming over and playing or just hanging out .Your mom was always so sweet .She well be missed thoughts and prayers ?? are with the family God bless Love your neighbor Nancy
Georganna Reprogle
Thursday, January 11, 2024
What a sweet, sweet lady. I always loved speaking to her. She was so kind. Prayers for all of her family.
Judy Bauman
Thursday, January 11, 2024
I met Carolyn as a computer teacher in Maumelle.
She was such a a delight in every way. She was a very intelligent lady.
Her laughter was contagious.
Prayers for her family.