Carolyn Watkins Fant

Carolyn Watkins Fant, 91, passed away on August 9, 2023, at Catherine’s Village-Siena Center in Madison, MS. The daughter of the late Laura Peterson and Tommy Ross Watkins, Carolyn was born in Helena, AR. She graduated from Macon High School and The University of Mississippi.
At Ole Miss she was initiated into Delta Gamma Fraternity where she served as chapter President.
Carolyn married Joseph Lewis Fant, III of Columbus in 1955 and began her lifelong calling as a devoted wife and mother. She was a great helpmate to Joe throughout his 34-year active-duty Army career by creating a home for the family in each of their many posts, taking on leadership positions in various Officers’ Wives Clubs, mentoring younger military wives, and always serving as a gracious hostess. After Joe retired from the US Army, Carolyn served as first lady of Marion Military Institute for the 4 years he was president there.
Upon full retirement, Carolyn and Joe settled in Columbus where she participated in many community organizations including Northeast Mississippi Delta Gamma Alumnae Chapter, where she served a term as president, Columbus Literary Club, Friends of the Library, garden club, and Noxubee County Historical Society. She was a member of First United Methodist Church in Columbus where she was active in the Lewis Fellowship Class, the prayer ministry, UMW Circle, visiting residents at Trinity Place, and the Emmaus Community.
In addition to her parents, Carolyn was pre-deceased by her husband and her brother, Tommy Lloyd Watkins.
She is survived by children: Carolyn Ludlam and husband Steve of Jackson, MS; Lynn Durant and husband George of Mandeville, LA; and Joe Fant, IV and wife Kate of Hogansville, GA. Surviving grandchildren are Steven Ludlam and wife Sara of Nashville, TN; Julia Ludlam of Birmingham, AL; Ross Durant of Dallas, TX; Katherine D. Mathews and husband Taylor of Mandeville, LA; Hutton F. Harsh and husband Carter of Fairhope, AL; Emily F. Asip and husband Hunter of Atlanta, GA; Adair Fant of Dallas, TX; and great-grandchildren Hanley and Michael Ludlam of Nashville, and Sibley and Sellers Harsh of Fairhope.

Burial in Friendship Cemetery will be scheduled at a later date.