Carolyn Deal Black McVicker's Obituary
Carolyn D. Black McVicker, 73, died Saturday, October 6, 2018, at Lakeland Regional Medical Center from respiratory failure.
Carolyn was born July 28, 1945, to Arnold and Carrie Wilson Deal. She grew up in her native North Carolina and also in Atlanta, Georgia. She graduated from the University of North Carolina in Greensboro with a degree in psychology.
Following a few years of working in the business sector, Carolyn began her first of two distinct careers by becoming an advertising copywriter in Charlotte, North Carolina.
During this time she married Phillip Lynn Black, with whom she had two beloved daughters. This marriage ended amicably, and Carolyn and her two little girls moved to Lakeland, Florida, in 1974, where a job with an up-and-coming advertising agency, Pearson, Clarke and Sawyer, awaited.
She soon met the man who would become the love of her life, former DJ and fellow ad writer, Alan Ross McVicker. Carolyn and Ross married in Lakeland, Florida on October 25, 1985 and were together until the end. They would have celebrated their 33rd anniversary this month.
Carolyn worked in advertising and public relations for over 20 years until around 1990, and then began her career in human relations, aided by some post-graduate study. She retired from her position as a psychiatric social worker at Peace River Center in 2008.
Carolyn enjoyed a love of animals, reading, the beauties of nature, and the values instilled by her parents and passed along to her children.
Carolyn was preceded in death by her parents, her step-father, her first husband, and her mother-in-law. She is survived by her husband; daughters Michelle Black of Lakeland, FL and Jennifer Cortez of Atlanta, Georgia; her grandchildren Elisabeth and Quinn Cortez of Atlanta, Georgia; her younger sister Jane Dear and her brother-in-law Don Dear of Woodruff, South Carolina; niece Christine Dear of Greenville, South Carolina; and a large extended family; her brother-in-law David McVicker and sister-in-law Carolyn McVicker of Winter Haven, Florida.
According to her wishes, Carolyn will be cremated, and there will be no funeral services. A private memorial service will be held at a later date.
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