Carolyn Besnyl

Carolyn Aycock Besnyl was born November 16,1930 in Morgan County Alabama to John Terry Aycock and Flora Isley Aycock. Following graduation from Falkville High School, where she was named “Most Worthy Senior”, she attended Montevallo College in Alabama, receiving her Bachelor of Science degree. After teaching Physical Education and Science classes for two years at Cotaco, Carolyn made the decision to move to Southern California that would change the trajectory of her life.

While working as a secretary in Glendale CA, Carolyn met and married the love of her life, Vaughn Besnyl. Settling in West Covina, they raised five children. When her youngest child was four, Mrs. Besnyl resumed her career as an educator, teaching Kindergarten and First Grade for 25 years with the Baldwin Park School District. During this time, she earned her Masters degree in Family Counseling from Azusa Pacific College. While in California, Mrs. Besnyl was active in her church, received recognition from the California State Senate for her 25 years of service with the League of Women Voters, and ardently campaigned for mental health awareness with NAMI, organizing rallies and fund raising.

Following the death of her husband, Mrs. Besnyl returned to Alabama in 1996 to assist her aging mother. She continued to be active in her church, teaching Sunday School and participating in the UMW, as well as other volunteer activities.

Mrs. Besnyl passed away June 17, 2025 in Decatur, Alabama. She is survived by a daughter, Terry Boyd; three sons, Randall Besnyl, Glenn Besnyl (Jolene) and Timothy Besnyl; seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a daughter, Joyce O’Neil.