Carolyn A. Wood of Rolla, Missouri passed away Sunday, November 24, 2024 at Phelps Health. She was 79 years of age.

Carolyn, the daughter of the late James Ernest and Artie (Rogers) Williams, was born February 3, 1945 in Memphis, Tennessee. She was united in marriage to Jesse Wilber Embrey in Memphis, Tennessee in 1962.

She is survived by her sons, Paul Anthony Embrey of Ripley, Tennessee and Kenneth Raymond Embrey (Virginia) of Hickory Flat, Mississippi; daughter-in-law, Alicia Embrey of St. James, Missouri; sister, Melva Ray of Centerville, Tennessee; ex-husband, Jesse Wilber Embrey grandchildren: TJ Embrey, Britney Howell, Ashley Nanney, Kristopher Kenneth Embrey, Jesse Embrey IV, and Relora Leslie; and fifteen great-grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her sons, Jesse Wilber Embey III and Michael Wood and sister, Katherine Miller.

Carolyn was a loving mom, grandma and sister. She loved spending time with family; her family loved her banana pudding and chicken casserole as well as her beans and cornbread. She was known to be quite opinionated about other family members' ways of cooking. Shopping was her passion. She loved buying clothes, purses, and shoes. Her daughter-in-law, Alicia was her favorite shopping buddy. Whenever there was doubt about a purchase, Alicia would always give all the encouragement needed for her to make the purchase. She brought joy to any relationship with her little sass and her strong will.

Visitation will be 1:00 PM Thursday, December 5, 2024 at Jones Funeral Home in St. James, Missouri.

Memorial service will 2:00 PM Thursday, December 5, 2024 at Jones Funeral Home with Bro. Bradley Dimock officiating. Burial will be in the St. James Cemetery.

Online condolences may be entered at jonesfunerals.com.

Arrangements are under the direction of Jones Funeral Home in St. James, MO.