On October 18, 1949, a baby girl was born by the name of Carolyn Ann Burleson to the late Rev. Walter James Burleson and Willie Louise Burleson.  She was the oldest of 10 siblings.  She was born in Barlett, Texas.  She accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized.

She attended Evan E. Worthing High School in Houston, Texas. After high school, she became a CNA (Certified Nurse Assistant) and severed for 20 years in the medical field.

She joined Berean Missionary Baptist Church and later joined her father Rev. Burleson Bethlehem Baptist Church where the family all attended. Later in life she met and married Gerald Small. She was a caring mother of 4 children, all whom she loved unconditionally. She later joined New Bright Star Baptist church under the leadership of Rev. Lester Scott, Sr. and now under the leadership of Rev. Cedric Robbins, Sr.

She departed this life on Saturday, October 19, 2024, at approximately 2:40 p.m. at HCA Clearlake Medical Center.

Preceding her in death are her parents: Rev. Walter J. Burleson and Willie L. Burleson, son Alphonse Thomas Jr., one brother: Roger L. Burleson and one sister: Jerry K. Burleson

To cherish her memory, she leaves her sons: Robert Earl Hamlett, Gerald Small Jr. (Meka), her daughter: Lashundria Penny Small Ruffin (Laren), Grandchildren: Quadric (Brittani), Shakeia, Desmond, Kiara (Quinton), Darius, Al'leya (Coby), Kimberlyn, Melanie, Christopher, Chance, Cobi, Cy'zer, Al'lexsis, Robert Jr. (Ariel), Perrion, Pierre Jr.

Great-grandchildren: Kayden, Kam, Nova, Cy'lia, Cayla, Marcell Jr., Adyen

Sisters; Barbara Murray, Theresa Henson (William), Shirley Paul (Antonio), Sharon Gatewood (Anthony); Brothers, Danny Burleson, Donald Burleson (Stephanie) and Tracy Burleson (Cathy)

Extended family, cousins, nieces, nephews, and close friends, all of whom will deeply miss her.

"I have fought a good fight; I have finished my course.  I have kept the faith"

2 Timothy 4:7