Carolyn Rose Black

Carolyn Rose Black, 90, of Sacramento, California, passed away April 25, 2024, at home from causes incident to age.  She was born in Hollywood, California, on November 29, 1933, at the Hollywood Presbyterian Hospital.  She was the only child of Carolyn Rose McMillen and the second daughter of Howard Irby Brown.

At age 8, Carol decided to become a nurse when she grew up, and spent hours reading her uncle Howard’s books (he was a medical doctor).  When she started college, her mother insisted that she become a secretary instead, so she attended LACC to achieve that goal.

One of her initial jobs as a secretary was at MGM studios where she met many Hollywood actors and actresses. She liked to tell us stories of how she used to babysit Beau Bridges. She continued to watch old Hollywood movies throughout her life.

Carol was raised in a non-religious atmosphere, so she attended many different churches with her friends.  At age 19, she was introduced to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints by Ronald Eugene Tew and joined that faith at age 20.  That same year, she married Ron.  She had two sons, Randall Elliott and Bradley Allen.  Carol and Ron were married for 4 years.

At age 26, Carol married Ronald Lawrence Black.  She had one stillborn daughter, who she named Caroline Elizabeth before having two more sons, Robert Paul and William John.  She eventually returned to school and studied for five years at Pierce College, receiving her license as a Registered Nurse at age 40.  Her second marriage lasted 14 years.

At age 45, Carol married John Craig Coogan.  They moved to Sacramento in 1984, and had no children.  Her third marriage lasted 6 years.  She spent the last 12 years of her nursing career at Mercy General hospital.  She retired at age 62 and lived the rest of her life in Sacramento.  She always missed Los Angeles, her friends, and the ocean.
Following retirement, Carol moved in with her son Bill. She lived with him for the final 25 years of her life. She enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren who came to visit her almost every day. She even got to spend time with great-grandchildren as they began arriving in the world. She liked to knit blankets for all of her new progeny.
Carol became more active in church attending meetings, participating in various programs and attending the temple. She loved the gospel even though she humbly felt like she never fit in with all of the members she considered very good, special and holy.

On November 4, 2009, her son, Randy, ended his own life after suffering years from bipolarism and other mental problems.  This devastated Carol and she never recovered emotionally from the incident.  She was mentally awake until the end of her life, frequently texting friends, doing puzzles, watching news programs, and reading books.

She is survived by three of her sons: Brad Tew of Springville, Utah, Robert (Ranae) Black of Pleasant Grove, Utah, and William (Lynnette) Black of Sacramento, California; 16 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, May 3, 2024, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 5505 Hackberry Lane, Sacramento, CA.  Services will be broadcast live at: https://zoom.us/j/93860611758.  A graveside service and interment will be at the Pleasant Grove Cemetery (Utah) on May 8, 2024 at 2:00 p.m.  Price Funeral Chapel (916-725-2109), directors.

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