Story by Gator Kincaid
Photo credit to Dave Shirley Photography
Saddened, heartbroken, and devastated... As news broke on Monday regarding the passing of Carolyn Yates Lott, known to many as Mama Lott, messages of condolences spread through social media of a woman that meant so much to this community.
So, how do I put into words the impact Carolyn Lott had on all of us? The short answer is that I can't, however, we as a community will lean on one another to pay tribute to our friend, mentor, and someone who leaves behind an indelible mark.
Born December 4th, 1950 to the late, Bobby & Ruth C. Yates of Fairfax, Carolyn's roots ran deep in the Valley.
To know Carolyn, was to love her, and in return she loved us. From the Lanett Panther Players, she fed for homecoming games, to the Vallet Ram Athletic Departments she fundraised for, and generously donated to Valley Haven Events she contributed. Carolyn Lott was community, heck she pretty much defined it.
"Ms. Carolyn, where does one try to start? I remember for over 30+ years, She supported us financially and was a listener of the Southern Gospel Review on Sunday mornings. She always wanted to hear Mark Bishop sing “ Can I pray for you” Many times on Sunday she would call from her office because she was up early working. She was a hard worker and she would take what she was blessed with and always reach out to help others. On behalf of Myself ( Spanky) and Paul and if Charles was here, he too would have words of appreciation for all Ms. Carolyn Lott has impacted us and so many. Ms. Carolyn, you will be missed greatly and our prayers will go out to Mr. Joe and ALL the family. God Bless". said Ronnie Spanky Sanders.
As a CPA, and an IRS-registered tax preparer, Carolyn Lott was simply the best. A member of the Georgia Society of Certified Public Accountants, the Alabama Society of Certified Public Accountants, The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, and The Association of Certified Fraud Examiners. She advised individuals, businesses, and corporations with an ethical practice that was second to none.
"I first met Carolyn as a student in her accounting class at Southern Union. Since then she has helped me with so many things. She will be greatly missed", said former student, and friend KathyHuntley.
Like so many of us, Carolyn's family always came first. You could see in her eyes as she talked about her husband Joe, son Shannon, daughter-in-law Shain, grandson Tyler, and great-granddaughter, Everleigh, whom she lit up every time she talked about him.
When our community was wrecked by the closing of the Mills, there were so many that stepped up and refused to let us fail. Carolyn Lott was one of the heroes that helped us become the comeback we are today, and we are indebted for that.
Now there are Auburn fans, and then there was a Carolyn Lott Auburn fan. No one loved the Tigers like Mama Lott. A proud Auburn alum, Carolyn defined what it means to truly be an Auburn Tiger.
I can see her now meeting St. Peter at the gates of heaven saying "Ain't it great to be an Auburn Tiger. Indeed it is my friend.
