We are heartbroken to announce that our dear Carolyn Williamson Van Gossen passed away peacefully on May 29, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, June 4, 2026, in the Chapel of Hixson Brothers Funeral Home in Alexandria, with Deacon Ken Primeaux officiating. Burial will follow in Greenwood Memorial Park in Pineville.

A visitation will be held at the funeral home on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., where Carolyn’s family invites everyone who knew her to join them in celebrating her beautiful life and the legacy she leaves behind.

Pallbearers honored to serve will be her Grandsons, Christopher Goatley, Preston Fontenot, Zachary Van Gossen, Cameron Van Gossen, Waylon Van Gossen, Chandler Van Gossen, Timmy Bigelow, and Jayden Van Gossen. Honorary pallbearers will be her great-grandchildren.

Carolyn lived a life defined by love, devotion, and family. She was a devoted wife, a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother, and friend whose greatest joy came from people she held dear to her. Her kindness, strength, and unwavering support touched the lives of everyone fortunate enough to know her. She cherished time spent with her husband and family, creating memories that will be cherished for generations. Whether through simple moments together or family gatherings, she made those around her feel loved, valued, and at home.

Carolyn was a devoted member of St. Rita’s Catholic Church, where she found community and friendship.

Those left to cherish her memory include her children, Donald F. Van Gossen, Jr. (Phyllis), Jimmy W. Van Gossen (Stephanie), Mylinda D. Van Gossen (Regina), and Carol J. Collins (Walter); sisters, Mary Evans and Tillie Webb; Grandsons, Christopher Goatley, Preston Fontenot, Zachary Van Gossen, Camron Van Gossen, Waylon Van Gossen, Chandler Van Gossen, Timmy Bigelow, and Jayden Van Gossen; Granddaughters, Stacy Goatley, Nichole Cox and Allison Mitchell; 14 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-grandchild; and a host of extended family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, James Williamson, Jr. and Helen E. Merrifield Williamson; her wonderful husband, Donald F. Van Gossen, Sr.; brother, James Williamson, III; and sister, Jimmie Lee Duplissey.

Though she will be deeply missed, her legacy lives on through the love she shared, the family she nurtured, and the countless lives she touched. Her memory will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital online at https://www.stjude.org/donate or by mail to 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.