Carolyn S. Test

Carolyn S. Test passed away shortly after her 92nd birthday on July 28, 2026 at American Village in Indianapolis, Indiana.

She was born on July 20, 1934 in Boonville, Indiana to James and Antoinette (Douthitt) Hawkins. She had four siblings, John, Margaret (Janie), James, and Robert Hawkins.

Carolyn married James (Jim) Melville Beard from Terre Haute, Indiana in 1954. They moved to Granite City, Illinois for his career as a steel salesman where their daughter, Patricia Jane (Patti), was born. A few years later his job took them to Indianapolis, Indiana where their son, James Matthew (Jim) was born.

When her children were teenagers Carolyn, at the age of 37, fulfilled her life long ambition of obtaining a college education. In 1974 she graduated from IUPUI with a Bachelors in Arts. She began her career with Indianapolis Public Schools as a high school English teacher at Shortridge High School. She taught with pride and dedication. Her students were effusive in their praise of her kindness, her humor, and her ability to clearly explain content. She awakened their curiosity with award winning strategies.

In 1979 she earned her Master of Science. Later in her career she transitioned from teacher to elementary school counselor/social worker. Carolyn served the students of IPS proudly and faithfully for 29 years. Upon retirement Carolyn continued to pursue her passion for learning.

She was an avid reader and especially enjoyed studying biblical archeology and the historical context of the Bible. Her spiritual quest led her to the teachings of Unity Church which brought solace, inspiration, and a deeper connection to God. Nature was integral to her spiritual life as well. She was fortunate to live in a wooded area and spent much time in her backyard replenishing her body, mind, and spirit.

Carolyn greatly valued her family and friend relationships and retirement afforded her more time to spend with both. She and her closest friends, Rose and Glory, spent hours together with laughter and tears as they shared their lives with one another. Her son, Jim, was a chef and they shared a love of food from different cuisines and cooking. They also shared a fascination with aliens and signs of alien life on Earth. They shared books, watched the same documentaries and talked (endlessly!) about their findings.

Carolyn was especially close to her sister, Margaret J. Lemmons, known as Janie. Their time together was often spent talking about family history and ancestry and going shopping. They often entertained themselves with tales of their allegedly few boneheaded mistakes. At the end Janie would always say, “But we’re nice girls!”

Tracing ancestry to England Carolyn and Janie became avid Anglophiles and traveled together to England. Enchanted by the countryside they explored off the beaten path and lodged in small villages. Everyone enjoyed the stories and pictures of their travels.

Carolyn and her daughter, Patti, whiled away their hours together with conversation, dining out, and great frivolity. One of their favorite times occurred when Carolyn mentioned she was concerned about driving alone at night. She said she might get a mannequin to ride with her. And they were off on a delightful dizzying flight of fancy!

Amid bursts of laughter they discussed what her “boyfriend” should wear, how to pose him, what he would eat, etc. They expanded their foolishness by deciding she needed a “boyfriend” in the house, too. Of course it was necessary to “flesh out” the details of his existence. They entertained themselves all evening until they were weak from laughter. From time to time they relived that evening adding new details and giggling all the while.

Carolyn touched the lives of all who knew her with her intelligence, warmth, and generous spirit. She leaves a legacy of love, strength, and compassion that will endure.

Carolyn is preceded in death by her first husband, James Melville (Jim) Beard; her sister, Margaret Jane (Janie) Lemmons; her brothers, John, James, and Robert Hawkins; her second husband, Edward (Ted) Test; and her son, James (Jim) Matthew Beard. She is survived by her daughter, Patricia Jane (Patti) Beard and her daughter in law, Sandra McCleary (Sandy) Beard.