Carolyn Jacobs Hampson, 79, died peacefully at Sundale Nursing Home, March 2, 2024, after a long illness.
Carolyn was born Feb. 18, 1945, to Kathleen H. and David W. Jacobs.
She attended local schools and graduated from Morgantown High School, where she was active in student government and played clarinet in the band. Her senior year, Carolyn was head drum majorette.
At WVU, Carlolyn was on the Student Board of Governors and a member of Chi Omega sorority. Carolyn graduated summa cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa, then earned a master’s degree in English, after which she began her 20-year teaching career at WVU. Carolyn was a dedicated teacher who inspired students to learn and love the English language, especially American poetry and fiction. In recognition of her teaching excellence, Carolyn was named Outstanding Teacher in the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences.
Herself a talented pianist, Carolyn had a lifetime passion for literature and music. She was happiest mentoring students, greeting neighbors as she walked her four Shelties and playing her piano. Neighbors often delighted in informal piano performances heard through Carolyn’s open windows. Carolyn had a special love for animals, particularly her Shelties, and was a generous contributor to animal welfare.
Carolyn is survived by many grateful students and two cousins, Constance (Connie) Colvin Ault and Pearson (Penny) Colvin Whoolery.
Carolyn was preceded in death by her parents, her beloved grandfather Elmer F. Jacobs and her former husband Bruce D. Hampson, Esq.
The family thanks Sundale Nursing Home for the compassionate care they gave Carolyn for almost two years.
Friends will be welcomed at a memorial service and reception at Hastings Funeral Home, 153 Spruce St., Morgantown, WV 26505, at 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 13, with Pastor Dan Meadows officiating. Inurnment will take place at Oak Grove Cemetery at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Carolyn’s memory may be sent to the Marion County Humane Society Shelter, 2731 Locust Ave., P.O. Box 905, Fairmont, WV 26554 or the WVU Alumni Association Permanent Loyalty Endowment Fund Number 3V629. Checks should be made payable to WVU Foundation, 1 Waterfront Place, P.O. Box 1650, Morgantown, WV 26505.
Condolences:
hastingsfuneralhome.com
