Carolyn Jean Britten Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Heaven gained another beautiful angel on June 20 th , 2022. Carolyn Jean was born January 18th, 1960, in Portland, Oregon to Betty and Gordon Smith. Shortly after, the young family moved to Visalia, California where Carolyn spent most of her life. Carolyn was the youngest of three children, following her older siblings, David and Jan. She attended Conyer Elementary, Divisadero Middle School, and Mt. Whitney High School. She was a spirited young woman who led her school as a cheerleader and song leader. Additionally, she loved tennis and was on the varsity team for the Pioneers. After high school, Carolyn went to the University of Southern California where she earned a Liberal Arts Degree. Carolyn was a proud Trojan and sister of the Pi Beta Phi Sorority. Carolyn continued her education at Fresno Pacific University, where she earned both multiple subjects and special education credentials. However, before beginning her career in education, Carolyn started her professional life in the insurance industry, working her way up to an underwriter. She then transitioned to the pharmaceutical world where she worked as a sales representative for Bristol Myers Squib. After many years in the private sector, Carolyn realized she wanted to pursue her career in education. Carolyn was a gifted teacher and compassionate educator. She was a resource specialist at Hurley elementary and St Paul’s Schools for 10 years. She was so proud of the growth her students achieved and did everything she could to help them succeed. On March 10 th , 1995, Carolyn’s life changed forever. Travis John Jacobson was born in Visalia, California. Travis was an energetic, charismatic child who loved sports and music. Carolyn and Travis shared an incredible relationship based on mutual respect, laughter and most importantly love. Travis brought so much light to everyone who knew him, especially his mother. Carolyn was compassionate, generous, creative and an incredible friend, but her best quality and role in life was being Travis’s mom. The world was not created for Carolyn without Travis. Similarly, Travis wouldn’t have been the man he was without her. She was an exceptional mother and being Travis’s mom was what filled her with immense pride and purpose. Unfortunately, she completed her role as a loving mother earlier than anyone would have hoped. On August 13 th , 2019, Travis tragically passed away. Carolyn was a lover and connoisseur of the arts. She loved paintings, antiques, writing and reading. She found great joy in discovering new artists and over the years, she amassed a beautiful collection of art. Carolyn was also extremely artistic and creative. She wrote a children’s book titled “I, Zoe” after the death of her brother, David. The book was narrated through the eyes of a cat who lost its owner to cancer. Carolyn wrote the book to help herself through the grieving process, and also to reach children who may be suffering through the loss of a loved one. She read her book at many local elementary schools. She had an innate understanding and ability to identify with young people that made them feel understood and special. This was truly her calling. In 2004, Carolyn married Scott Britten, her devoted husband of 17 years. They enjoyed travelling, spending time at their beach house in Morro Bay, and hosting their friends and family at countless dinner parties and holidays. Carolyn dedicated her energy to help spread awareness on the tragic fentanyl epidemic that plagues the country. She organized a Public Service Announcement and had billboards erected to warn young people about the danger of fentanyl. Carolyn fought to spread Travis’ story on a wider scale. In 2020, she was scheduled to speak to the U.S. Senate in Washington D.C. about the drug epidemic that took her son’s life, but was unable to honor this arrangement due to the Covid 19 pandemic restrictions. Carolyn loved animals, but she had a special fondness for German Shepherds. During her life, she had Bella and Sarah who were adored members of the Britten family. As a tribute to Travis, a Belgian Malinois was donated to the Tulare County Sherriff’s department by a family friend and trained as a drug enforcer. The newest member of the drug enforcement squad is named “TJ,” after Travis. This cause was deeply important to her and a beautiful way to honor Travis’s life. This loss is heart-breaking for all who loved and knew Carolyn. She was light personified to all who were blessed to be in her presence. The world is a little darker without her in it. We should all find comfort knowing that Carolyn has reunited with Travis in a place without pain and suffering. Carolyn joins her son, Travis, in Heaven as well as her mother and father, Betty and Gordon, her brother, David, and her nephew, Chris Fonken. Carolyn is survived by her husband, Scott Britten and his children, Ben Britten, his wife Abby, their children, Garreth and Eva, Amy Britten, and Alex Britten. Her sister and brother-in-law, Jan and Steven Fonken, their children Meghan, Kyle, and Ryan. Her sister-in- law, Nancy Smith; In lieu of flowers, we would ask you to please donate to the Tulare County Sherriff’s Foundation, Attention K9 unit, under Carolyn Britten’s name. 833 South Akers, Visalia, CA 93277.

Carolyn Jean Britten

June 20, 2022