The Faces of Suwanee — Meet Carolyn Holbrook, Resident
I knew that I was spending time with a very nice, witty, talented and interesting person when I interviewed Carolyn Holbrook. Here’s more about this lovely lady and the great life she has led…
Please tell us a little about your family.
I was born 95 years ago in Gainesville, FL. My husband and I were married 53 years and raised our family in Sandy Springs, GA. We have four grown children, eight grandchildren, and five great- grandchildren.
Tell us about your current and past career. What do you love most about it?
I was an elementary school teacher in Fulton County and loved it. Teaching was a fulfilling career for me; I enjoyed the creativity and challenge of encouraging the children to do their best. When I retired, my all-consuming passion was making and designing Fabergé-style eggs, and I did this for about 20 years. A group of friends and I would meet one day a week to do egging together. We would go to egg conventions and shows in other states to take classes and buy supplies. We used eggshells from geese, duck, rhea, emu, ostrich, quail, and other types of eggs. We drew a pattern or design on the egg shells and then, using a small drill, we’d drill out parts of the eggshells to create the overall design. We would paint and decorate the eggshells with Swarovski crystals, pearls, ribbon, and seashells. Some eggs would take days, weeks, or several months to make, and many would light up, play music, or have moving parts inside them. Some of my eggs are on display at Holbrook Sugar Hill, Decatur, Acworth, Woodstock, and Grayson. Now, I always look forward to our Bible Journey class each week at Holbrook. It is wonderful to get together with the other residents to study the Bible.
What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
I enjoy eating at Seasons 52 with my family and friends.
How long have you lived or worked here?
I have lived at Holbrook Sugar Hill for almost three years.
What is your favorite thing about this area?
I really enjoy having nice places to go to for lunch or dinner, as well as shopping at the local boutiques.
What business or place — current or former — makes you feel the most nostalgic about Suwanee?
I love the seasonal changes of the trees, the birds, and the flowers.
If you could take anyone to lunch, dead or alive, who would that be?
I would love to have lunch with my paternal grandfather because he lived a very interesting life. He graduated from Emory at Oxford in 1887. He was a teacher, railroad agent, and sawmill operator before he became a lawyer and was elected to the Florida Senate. He was later appointed the Shellfish Commissioner in Florida. He was known for keeping people enraptured with his storytelling abilities — almost always including true accounts of his life.
Where is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
I have visited 29 countries in my lifetime, and Western Canada was probably the most beautiful place that I remember. I have also visited all 50 states in the USA. There are many beautiful places right here at home.
What was the first movie you remember seeing in a theatre?
The Little Princess with Shirley Temple.
Tell me something that’s on your bucket list.
I have always wanted to see the Great Wall of China.
What advice would you give to a crowd of people?
Put your trust in God always.
Who is the most interesting person you have ever met?
I met Elvis Presley in 1961 when he was filming a movie called Follow that Dream in my hometown of Inverness, Florida. There was a courtroom scene, and many of the townspeople were asked to be extras. My father was asked to be an extra but wasn’t able to go, so I took his place.
What type of music do you like?
My favorite is the Big Band Era, music of the 1950s, and Gospel music.
Tell me something interesting about you that most people don’t know.
I met my husband in Germany while working for the Federal Government. He was a lieutenant in the Army and his commanding officer asked him to escort me to a formal dance at the Officer’s Club.
Would you rather sing to a crowd of 50 people or speak to a crowd of 500?
Definitely give a speech.
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