Carolyn Estelle Blevins Powers' Obituary
Carolyn Estelle Blevins Powers of Palm Coast, FL, passed away peacefully at her home, surrounded by the love of her daughters, on November 28th, 2025. She was 84. Carolyn lived most of her adult life in Gainesville, FL, and Palm Coast, FL. Born in Lakeland, FL, on April 8, 1941, Carolyn was one of eight girls born to Andrew Hugh Blevins and Rose Estelle McClanahan.
She was preceded in death by her parents; six sisters; her first husband, Ronald Delano Powers, Sr., with whom she shared many devoted years of marriage and family; and her second husband, Robert Toalston, Sr., whom she married ten years after Ronald’s passing.
Carolyn lived a full, vibrant, and beautiful life. She began her early career as a secretary to the treasurer at the Publix warehouse and later embraced adventure as a stewardess for Eastern Airlines. After marrying Ronald Powers, Sr., she wholeheartedly stepped into her role as a devoted stepmother to four children—three boys and one girl—and later welcomed two daughters of her own.
Carolyn dedicated most of her life to being a homemaker, a role she carried with remarkable grace, devotion, and quiet strength. She also worked alongside her husband, Ronald, for many years in their family business, offering her support and dedication every step of the way. She was known for her energy, spirit, and love of staying active. A true outdoor enthusiast, she tended her yard with a green thumb, played tennis, racquetball, long walks, bike rides, going to the gym, and even took on pickleball in recent years.
Some of her fondest moments were spent walking the bridges of Ormond and Flagler Beach with her daughters, Terri and Caron, sharing conversation, laughter, and the gentle ocean breeze. Carolyn loved fellowship, friendship, and the joyful competition of games. Her mahjong group, card-playing friends, and the laughter shared around those tables were blessings she cherished deeply and were constant sources of joy. There was rarely a day when a game of cards wouldn’t lift her spirits. She also enjoyed cruising with her daughter Terri, and even the slot machines brought her endless smiles.
Carolyn is survived by her sister Edna Blevins, children: Ronald Powers, Jr. (Lynn), Desse Powers (Wanda), Anthony (Tony) Powers, Sr. (Patricia), Sherri Powers Payne (Richard), Terri-Linn Powers Goodale (Ricky), and Caron Powers Rowe (Micheal). She also leaves behind a cherished and growing legacy of many grandchildren: Nicholas Powers, Christopher Powers, Anthony Powers, Jr., Steven Powers, William Payne Jr.,, Christina Bauer, Daniel Awalt, Blaine Goodale, Clayton Rowe, Chase Rowe, Brittany Rowe, Desse Powers, Jr,, Jeremy Powers, Starleen Gunn, Kendall Highnote, Dusty Highnote, many great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews who will carry her love forward.
Carolyn’s life was defined by love, resilience, family, and a joyful competitive spirit. She will be remembered for her warmth, her strength, her laughter, and the countless ways she touched the lives of those fortunate enough to know her.
Her family takes comfort in knowing she is now at peace, embraced by loved ones who have gone before her, and that her spirit—full of goodness, grace, and mercy—will continue to shine through all whose lives she touched. Her memory will continue to live on in the generations she inspired and nurtured.
A private family ceremony will be held on January 17th, 2026 in Gainesville, Fl to celebrate her life.
Psalm 23:6
“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”
What’s your fondest memory of Carolyn?
What’s a lesson you learned from Carolyn?
Share a story where Carolyn's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Carolyn you’ll never forget.
How did Carolyn make you smile?