ALFRED – Carolyn Taylor, 56, of Homewood, Illinois, passed away on Monday (December 15, 2025) at the home of her sister, Angie Taylor, following a sudden battle with pancreatic cancer.
Carolyn was born on May 11, 1969 in Chicago Heights, Illinois., to Robert and Helen Louise (Pointer) Taylor. She was a 1987 graduate of Rich Central High School in Olympia Fields, Illinois. She later earned a Bachelor of Science from Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. while simultaneously completing the Army ROTC program. Carolyn went on to earned a Master of Science in Software Engineering from DePaul University in Chicago, Illinois and a Ph.D. in Information Communications Technology from Capella University in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Carolyn most recently served as a Technical Officer for European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) in Sophia Antipolis, France. Previously, she held positions in Information and Communications Technology for Samsung in the United Kingdom, ZTE Telecommunications in Richardson, Texas, Hepta 7291 in Washington, DC.; and Motorola in Libertyville, Illinois.
Carloyn is survived by her sisters, Vickie Taylor of Homewood, Illinois, and Angie of Alfred, New York. In addition to her siblings, she leaves to mourn two nieces to whom she was very close, Courtney Griffin and Noe’ll Taylor; four aunts, Katie Bell Terry Bessie Morehouse and Henry Mae Westbrook, all of St. Louis, Missouri and Hattie Joyce Pointer of Columbus, Mississippi.; and five uncles, Eugene Taylor of Harvey, Illinois; Charles Pointer and Curtis Pointer, both of Chicago, Illinois; and Henry Pointer and Tommy Pointer, both of Columbus, Mississippi; and a host of cousins, other relatives and devoted friends.
Carolyn was a voracious traveler both professionally and for personal enrichment. She traveled extensively throughout Europe, Asia and Africa. A true foodie, her love of exploring diverse cuisines beautifully complemented her passion for travel, cultural understanding, and forming meaningful personal connections. She was an avid reader, particularly drawn to science, technology, and astronomy.
Carolyn loved deep research into subjects that sparked her curiosity and imagination. She possessed a strong creative side as well and was gifted in both art and photography.
The sisters shared an especially close bond, each deeply appreciating the other’s company.
Carolyn and Angie shared many adventures and aspired to one day travel to Antarctica. While they cherished discovering new places, they were equally content enjoying simple pleasures such as observing a full moon or watching an eclipse.
Carolyn and Vickie shared a quiet companionship rooted in mutual presence. They had common interest in music, exercising, shopping and the love of fine dining. They both loved Beyonce and made sure to attend her concert.
Carolyn was a charismatic and kind soul. With a delightful sense of humor and a rare ability to view the world through a positive lens. She left a lasting impression on all who knew her.
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” – Psalm 34:18
Locally, a Celebration of Life will be held at the Powell Campus Knight Club at Alfred University on January 27 at 3 p.m. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday January 10 at 2:00pm. Union Evangelistic Baptist Church 1625 Center Avenue Chicago Heights, Illinois.
Local arrangements are under the direction of Baker-Swan Funeral Home in Andover. Online condolences may be offered at www.baker-swan.com.
Memorial contributions in Carolyn’s name may be made to Society of Women Engineers (SWE) Scholarship Fund, IEEE Foundation, or Travel, Global Learning & Cultural Exchange. © 2025 Baker-Swan Funeral Home.


































































































My condolences to Vickey and Angie. I’m so sorry for your loss. Praying for you and your family🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽
My sincere condolences and prayers to the family. May God comfort you.
I’m so sorry for your loss You have had two losses close together. Im praying 🙏🏽 🤲 for you . Now take your place with God ,mom and daddy .R.I.P💔💔💔😔😢✨️✨️
I was shocked to hear of her passing. I was fortunate to first meet and work with Carolyn when we were in the same group at Motorola. We both stayed in a job in the industry that allowed us to work together even as we moved to different companies. We’d see each other in many places around the globe. She always had a kind word, a keen mind, and was an all-around wonderful person. Her light has left this world far too soon and I will miss her. My deepest sympathies to her family and friends.
I pray that God gives your family strength through this challenging time. I did not have the opportunity to know her, but I did have the opportunity to no this type of loss. Keep your your eyes to the hills to which your help comes from and you will see her there soon. God Bless 🙌 🙏 ❤️
I met Carolyn during my standards tenure in RAN4 even before serving as RAN4 secretary. She was so energetic and joyful. It is a very sad moment.
My deepest condolences to her family, colleagues and friends.
Rest in peace, Carolyn
I was deeply saddened to learn of Carolyn’s passing. Please accept my heartfelt condolences during this difficult time. My thoughts are with you and your family as you mourn such a profound loss.
Carolyn was not only a highly respected colleague, but also a kind, dedicated, and generous person who touched many of us in the RAN4 community. During my time as RAN4 Chair, I had the privilege of working closely with her while she served as RAN4 Secretary. Her professionalism, reliability, and quiet strength were invaluable to our work, and her support meant more to me than I can fully express.
I will always remember her encouragement, her warm words, confidence, and sincere support left a lasting impression on me and continue to resonate even today. That encouragement came not just from a colleague, but from someone who genuinely cared about people and the community she served.
Carolyn’s contributions, kindness, and spirit will be deeply missed by all of us who had the honor of knowing her. Please know that she is remembered with great respect and gratitude, and that her legacy lives on in the many lives she touched.🙏 ❤️
I was devastated when I heard the news. My condolences to Carolyn’s family and loved ones!!!!
Edgar Fernandes. , a colleague from Motorola Standards. I was so shocked and saddened to hear of her sudden passing. I remember her as a kind and friendly person. She visited our city (Winchester, UK) on her travels and was fascinated by the history. I still have the U.S. Olympic shirt she generously gave as a gift for my wife . She will sadly missed and never forgotten. Love and prayers to all her family who she spoke of often