Carolyn Louise DeVitis, of Baton Rouge, has gone to be with God, his angels, and her family that has gone before her on December 1, 2017. She leaves a husband of 42 years, RJ Goebel; her son, Michael Goebel; daughter-in-law, Tiffany; three grandchildren: Rowen, Levi, and Anelise; a sister, Diana Shellenberger; special friend, Janet Sagona, and precious extended family and friends. We who have been blessed to share in her wonderful life will forever be changed by her legacy.
Her journey started in Pittsburg Pennsylvania in 1944 when she was born to James and Kathryn DeVitis. At the age of 5, she moved to Cleveland Ohio to her lifelong family home and community. While there, she began to excel at a young age becoming a Rhodes scholar. She holds degrees from Hiram College, Wisconsin University, and LSU Law School. She completed her Masters in Art History followed by studying and travelling extensively throughout Europe. Her growth and experiences there only furthered her love of other cultures and Renaissance art. This spurred her to follow the footsteps of one of her heroes, Dr. Michael A DeVitis, who was a knighted author of numerous books of the Romance Languages. She then led numerous college courses abroad as she invested in the next generation of scholars. While at LSU, she met and married RJ Goebel on December 24th 1975. In 1981 they had their only child, Michael A Goebel.
Carolyn had also always loved to share her gift of the culinary arts with others and was the Co-Owner of Goebellis Restaurant from 1980-1983. She then elected to pursue one of her other passions, the study of Law. She achieved numerous scholarships including the prestigious Ford and LSU Law scholarships. Her Law career included working in the private sector as a general counsel lawyer, serving as chief lawyer of the Public Service Commission, and ultimately becoming an Administrative Law Judge there for over 20 years. She lived under the doctrine to never stop learning and continued her persistent pursuit of knowledge even after professional retirement.
Her love of enlightenment was only overshadowed by her love of family. She was able to spend the last season of her life with her family in Hattiesburg, MS, where she continued to touch those around her. As her battle with cancer progressed, she never relented in her fight or let her health change her approach to life. With her work complete, she has now returned home to her loving Lord and Savior where she can truly be free.
God Bless and may you all live a life worthy of the Gift that it is.
In lieu of flowers, we will honor Carolyn by commissioning a sculpture at Forrest General Cancer Center Garden. Contact Martha Dearman at 601-288-4322.
A memorial service will be Saturday, December 9, 2017, 4:00pm at Open Door Church in Hattiesburg.