Our beloved Mother, Carolyn Jean Booker, age 74, of Ione, CA, passed away Saturday, February 16, 2019 in Ione. Carolyn was born in Arthur, Illinois on December 10, 1944, a daughter of the late Mary (Borders) and RaymonMarquiss. Raised in Sacramento, California, Carolyn graduated from El Camino High School in 1963. Carolyn’s life was filled with song as she sang in church and for her high school as a soloist and in the choir. Carolyn married Rodney Lawson in August 1963 and had three children: Michael, David, and Emily. Carolyn graduated from CSUSacramento with a degree in psychology and a minor in music. A teacher her whole life, Carolyn earned her teaching credential and started teaching music at Del Dayo Elementary in Carmichael, CA. Later she would work in the Rio Linda School District as a class teacher and librarian. An entrepreneur, Carolyn started a preschool providing loving care to many children. During this time, Carolyn also opened the White Bird Art Gallery in Amador County whichfeatured the art of her daughter as well as local artists. The White Bird Gallery also presented monthly concerts in which Carolyn performed along with her son Michael and daughter in law Lisa. Carolyn also expanded the White Bird Gallery offerings by opening a coffee and deli shop. In addition to her musical talents, Carolyn was an artist, creating beautiful textiles including weavings, scarves, and tapestries. Carolyn married David Booker in August 2001 and together they started White Bird Fiber Design, creating beautiful fiber art together which they showed and sold at various local venues, including High Hill Ranch in Apple Hill. From 2001 to present, she devoted many hours teaching voice, piano, and guitar at the Pease Conservatory in Sacramento and was an inspiration to her students both musically and personally. Carolyn was active in the Unity Church for many decades and served on the Boards of some as well as a youth sponsor of the teen Sunday school group, Youth of Unity. Most recently, Carolyn regularly attended the Capital City Unity Church. While Carolyn accomplished many great things in her life, her greatest love was family. She enjoyed holidays with her families as well numerous camping trips filled with song and outdoor activities like water skiing and sailing.
Carolyn is survived by her husband, David of Ione; sons, Michael Marquiss (Lisa) Lawson, of Ione, CA; David Marquiss (Joy) Lawson, of Fair Oaks, CA; daughter, Emily Pacini, of Ione, CA; grandchildren, Andrew Lawson, Cameron Lawson, Matthew Lawson and Liam Lawson; sisters, Sandy, Sue, and Linda; brother, Stanley; and former spouse, Rodney Lawson.
Friends and family are invited to attend a celebration of life on Saturday, April 6, 2019, at 1 pm at Conzelmann Community Center, 2201 Cottage Way, Sacramento.