Carolyn Ray Layton

Funeral Services for Mrs. Carolyn Ray Layton age 82 of Pinson, will be held on Wednesday, January 7, 2025 at 2:00 P.M. at Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home with Rev. George Weeks officiating. Burial will follow in the adjoining gardens.

Carolyn Ray Layton passed away peacefully on December 31, 2025, surrounded by love. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, sister, and the beloved matriarch of her family. Born on February 24, 1943, in Munford, Alabama, Carolyn was one of eleven children born to Rennie and Louneal Swafford. Throughout her life, she remained deeply involved with her siblings, often taking charge of family matters and handling their affairs with care and determination. She was well known for always cooking and providing meals, opening her home and table to family and friends as one of her greatest expressions of love. After the passing of her husband of 62 years, William J. Layton (“Billy Joe”), Carolyn embraced life through travel, enjoying several cruises and spending extended time in Tampa.

She was preceded in death by her husband, William J. Layton (“Billy Joe”); her son, Jeff Layton; her parents, Rennie and Louneal Swafford; and siblings Lee Swafford, Mary Ellen Gardner, Roy Swafford, Earnest Swafford, Virginia Jones, and Alton Swafford.

She is survived by her children Pamela Layton (Sherry), Michelle Layton Roberson (Jess), and Tony Layton; grandchildren Maria Beasley, Brooke Messina (Chad), Bentley Grace Layton, and J.P. Roberson (fiancé Katelyn Murphy); and great-grandchildren Carlie Taylor, Bailey Beasley, and Riley Beasley. She is also survived by siblings Barbara Mask (James), Larry Swafford (Sheila), Jerry Swafford, and June Quick (Kenneth), along with many nieces and nephews, including special nephews Michael Jones and Julio Tundidor, who cared for her with love and respect in her final days.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, January 7, 2025 from 12:30 P.M. until service time at 2:00 P.M. at Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home.

The family extends special thanks to Amedisys Hospice for their compassionate care.

If you prefer not to send flowers, donations may be made in her honor to Amedisys Hospice or the American Cancer Society. Carolyn will be remembered as a woman who led with strength and love — truly a mother to many.