Gwendolyn "Gwen" Key Sollie Carmichael

Gwendolyn “Gwen” Key Sollie Carmichael, 91, of Meridian, Mississippi, a devoted follower of Christ, passed away Tuesday, February 11, 2025, at her residence, surrounded by her family.

She was born Saturday, January 27, 1934, to James Rufus Key, Sr. and Lena Mae Davis Key in Kemper County, MS.

Gwen was known for her fun and playful spirit, which touched everyone who knew her. She deeply loved her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, cherishing time spent with family. Gwen also looked forward to weekly lunch outings with friends whenever she could. A devoted member of New Hope Baptist Church, she was actively involved in the Dot Martin LifeGroup class and spent many years helping in the kitchen during Vacation Bible School. Gwen was an avid sports fan and enjoyed being outdoors, whether tending to her yard, planting flowers, or engaging in painting and various arts and crafts. She had a special affection for the Clarkdale community, where she volunteered countless hours at the local school. Before returning to Meridian, Gwen lived in Pensacola, where she served as the director of the Lutheran Church of the Resurrection daycare.

Gwen is survived by her sons, Tim Sollie (Becky), Scott Sollie (Lisa); step-sons, Brad Carmichael (Brenda), Danny Carmichael, and David Carmichael; brother, James Key, Jr. (Janelle); grandchildren, Justin Sollie (Abby), Jeremy Sollie, Audrey Jordan (Will), Emily Wilson (Jeff), Rachel Sollie, Ashley Holloman (Kane), Blake Carmichael (Audrey); great-grandchildren, Marley Sollie, Jude and Sollie Wilson, Rosemary Jordan, Brynlee and Wyatt Holloman, Raelin & Scarlett Carmichael, and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family would like to express their heartfelt thanks to Gwen’s dedicated caregivers: Anita, Mary Ann, Mary Nell, Stephanie, and Dr. Voss, whose kindness, love, and compassion brought comfort and care during her time with them.

She is preceded in death by her parents, James Rufus Key, Sr. and Lena Mae Davis Key, husbands, Ira Ladell Sollie and Thurman H. “Sonny” Carmichael, and her siblings, Kathryn Millsaps and Dewitt Key.

Pallbearers will be Justin Sollie, Jeremy Sollie, Blake Carmichael, Will Jordan, Jeff Wilson, and Kane Holloman.

The Carmichael Family requests donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, in lieu of flowers.

Mrs. Carmichael’s Family will receive guests Friday, February 14, from 10:00 AM until  11:15 AM at New Hope Baptist Church. Funeral services will begin at  11:30 AM with Bro. Doug Goodman and Bro. Gilbert Eaves officiating. Interment will follow graveside rites in the New Hope Baptist Church Cemetery. Robert Barham Family Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted with arrangements.

Online condolences may be made at robertbarhamffh.com.