Carolyn Dryden
Carolyn “Boots” Dryden (Samara) passed away on October 11, 2021.
She was born on August 31, 1947 to Cecil and Katherine (Lucille) Samara in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. One of five children, she is preceded in death by her sister Sharon Larson and survived by sister Cecilia Tubb and brothers Cary and Bob Samara.
She married David Dryden, of the late Charles and Kathryn Dryden, in Texas in 1979 and after having their children Paul Dryden and Katherine Stephens (Robert Stephens), they moved to Ellisville, Missouri in 1991 and stayed there since.
She was a beloved wife, mother, sister, daughter, aunt, mother-in-law, sister-in-law, and friend to many. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Carolyn’s name to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.
“And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me – that you also may be where I am.” – John 14:3 NIV
“So we are always of good courage. We know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord, for we walk by faith, not by sight. Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord. So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please him.” – 2 Corinthians 5:6-9 NIV
Services will be held Friday, October 29, 2021 at Parkway Baptist Church on 12465 Olive Boulevard in St. Louis. Visitation starts at 1:00 p.m. with a service to follow at 2:00 p.m.
David, Katie and Paul, Carolyn is a sweet soul and a treasured friend of mine and countless others in her life.
I loved sharing stories with her about Oklahoma, OU, our families, our jobs and Cecil. She cared deeply about her faith, her family and her friends. I saw her many times celebrating the good times and feeling sad about the bad. We sometimes laughed and cried together.
She knew none of us is perfect, but she steadfastly believed there is a perfect place where we’ll be home. I believe she’s in that place now.
With love and prayers for your peace of mind. Kent