Carolyn's Biography
“People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel” - Maya Angelou
This quote directly embodies the life of Mrs. Carolyn Burgess Govan. She was a caring, loving, and wise woman whose contagious laugh and enlightening spirit could light up any room. Although she passed away on April 13, 2021, her larger-than-life persona will never be forgotten.
Carolyn was born on March 23, 1955, in Tampa, FL from the late Willie Mae Blake Burgess and Jesse Burgess. She was the second of four siblings - Barbara Allen, the late Francis Diane McCray, and the late Jesse “Chip” Burgess, Jr.. Carolyn spent her childhood doing things she loved such as creating and sewing garments, playing the piano and the clarinet, reading books and encyclopedias, and spending time with her siblings and cousins enjoying deviled crabs with hot sauce, and savoring tasty Cuban sandwiches in Ybor City.
Carolyn graduated from Tampa Bay Tech High School and was awarded “Best Personality”. She then attended junior college, where she earned Associates Degrees in Liberal Arts from Hillsborough Community College, and in Electronics Technology from New England Institute of Technology. She went on to attend the University of South Florida to pursue her passion for communications, where she soon graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Radio and Broadcasting.
This quote directly embodies the life of Mrs. Carolyn Burgess Govan. She was a caring, loving, and wise woman whose contagious laugh and enlightening spirit could light up any room. Although she passed away on April 13, 2021, her larger-than-life persona will never be forgotten.
Carolyn was born on March 23, 1955, in Tampa, FL from the late Willie Mae Blake Burgess and Jesse Burgess. She was the second of four siblings - Barbara Allen, the late Francis Diane McCray, and the late Jesse “Chip” Burgess, Jr.. Carolyn spent her childhood doing things she loved such as creating and sewing garments, playing the piano and the clarinet, reading books and encyclopedias, and spending time with her siblings and cousins enjoying deviled crabs with hot sauce, and savoring tasty Cuban sandwiches in Ybor City.
Carolyn graduated from Tampa Bay Tech High School and was awarded “Best Personality”. She then attended junior college, where she earned Associates Degrees in Liberal Arts from Hillsborough Community College, and in Electronics Technology from New England Institute of Technology. She went on to attend the University of South Florida to pursue her passion for communications, where she soon graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Radio and Broadcasting.
Carolyn is survived by her loving husband, Russell Govan, whom she met in 1985, and wed on December 30, 1989. They went on to celebrate 35 years of marriage. They have two adoring children, a son and daughter, Jared and Jasmine Govan. They also have a grandson, Jerold Govan, whom Carolyn cherished. This devoted family loved spending time together. Some of Carolyn’s favorite moments were spent with family and friends at birthday celebrations, family reunions in Orlando, and get-togethers (which often always included food). Loved ones would revel over her infamous birthday rum cakes and chocolate chip or oatmeal cookies. Music, another of Carolyn’s favorite pastimes, often filled her home with wonderful melodies for everyone to enjoy. A talented pianist, Carolyn was bestowed a beautiful piano on her 38th birthday by her doting husband, Russell, who celebrated her love for music, and enabled her to share her gift with her family and others.
Peace and harmony was a necessity for Carolyn, and she often served as a balancing force for many. She would say “the power of communication is through storytelling”, and that we understand each other more when we learn our perspectives. So she utilized storytelling through media arts. In pursuit of her dream career, Carolyn began working in St. Petersburg, Florida at WTSP – TV 10 as a Production Crew Member. She then excelled to become a TV Director for WPTV in West Palm Beach, Florida, before becoming the Productions Coordinator with Palm Beach County’s TV Channel 20...where she would spend the remainder of her career perfecting her craft. Throughout her 30 years of service in Palm Beach County, she was best known for her artistic ability to create visual experiences through video. However, working as the Production Coordinator was most memorable when her son, Jared, would accompany her on various shoots.
Peace and harmony was a necessity for Carolyn, and she often served as a balancing force for many. She would say “the power of communication is through storytelling”, and that we understand each other more when we learn our perspectives. So she utilized storytelling through media arts. In pursuit of her dream career, Carolyn began working in St. Petersburg, Florida at WTSP – TV 10 as a Production Crew Member. She then excelled to become a TV Director for WPTV in West Palm Beach, Florida, before becoming the Productions Coordinator with Palm Beach County’s TV Channel 20...where she would spend the remainder of her career perfecting her craft. Throughout her 30 years of service in Palm Beach County, she was best known for her artistic ability to create visual experiences through video. However, working as the Production Coordinator was most memorable when her son, Jared, would accompany her on various shoots.
Not only was Carolyn great behind the camera, but she was also an amazing presenter and public speaker. She was president of the PBC “Talk of the Town” Toastmasters Club in 2016, and even received The Bronze Level Toastmasters Advanced Communicator Award. But, her enjoyment came mostly from mentoring her peers, and providing motivational guidance on public speaking.
Carolyn was an all-around caring person. She also gave of herself through her involvement with the community. As a member at Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church, she served in the Communications Ministry, managing video projects that showcased church programs and the rich history of the downtown area. Additionally, she volunteered with youth and adults teaching videography and the art of storytelling at youth afterschool programs, and the Palm Beach County Adult and Community Education classes. In 2017, she joined the Leadership Palm Beach County Engage Class, where her pleasant personality was contagious to everyone she met. Furthermore, Carolyn was a benefactor to the Sari Center/Palm Beach Cancer Institute Foundation through Project Carebox, LLC – a company she co-founded alongside her daughter, Jasmine, whose purpose was to provide care packages of items like blankets, journals and healthy treats to those undergoing cancer treatments.
Overall, Carolyn’s legacy of inspiration will continue to live on. She was a visual artist, a top-notch conversationalist, a secret culinary prodigy, and a leader. She loved her family, exploring new cuisines, and engaging in new activities. Carolyn incorporated these many interests and vocations into her efforts daily, making sure to bring joy to anything she was involved in. Carolyn leaves to cherish her memory and rich legacy to her husband, Russell; her son, Jared; her daughter, Jasmine; her grandson Jerold; her sister Barbara; four step-daughters, and a host of loving cousins, nephews, nieces, in-laws, friends, and colleagues.
In remembrance of Carolyn, the family will create a memorial scholarship in support of deserving students pursuing the study of Radio and Broadcasting. Through this scholarship, Carolyn’s passion for creating visual experiences through video and media, will continue to impact others.
Carolyn was an all-around caring person. She also gave of herself through her involvement with the community. As a member at Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church, she served in the Communications Ministry, managing video projects that showcased church programs and the rich history of the downtown area. Additionally, she volunteered with youth and adults teaching videography and the art of storytelling at youth afterschool programs, and the Palm Beach County Adult and Community Education classes. In 2017, she joined the Leadership Palm Beach County Engage Class, where her pleasant personality was contagious to everyone she met. Furthermore, Carolyn was a benefactor to the Sari Center/Palm Beach Cancer Institute Foundation through Project Carebox, LLC – a company she co-founded alongside her daughter, Jasmine, whose purpose was to provide care packages of items like blankets, journals and healthy treats to those undergoing cancer treatments.
Overall, Carolyn’s legacy of inspiration will continue to live on. She was a visual artist, a top-notch conversationalist, a secret culinary prodigy, and a leader. She loved her family, exploring new cuisines, and engaging in new activities. Carolyn incorporated these many interests and vocations into her efforts daily, making sure to bring joy to anything she was involved in. Carolyn leaves to cherish her memory and rich legacy to her husband, Russell; her son, Jared; her daughter, Jasmine; her grandson Jerold; her sister Barbara; four step-daughters, and a host of loving cousins, nephews, nieces, in-laws, friends, and colleagues.
In remembrance of Carolyn, the family will create a memorial scholarship in support of deserving students pursuing the study of Radio and Broadcasting. Through this scholarship, Carolyn’s passion for creating visual experiences through video and media, will continue to impact others.