Lynne Harrison Carr

I began life in Hollywood, CA on January 10, 1938 as the second child of Robert Foster Harrison and Ezoe (Dixie) Woodbury. At 9lbs. 9 oz and big jowls, I was an embarrassment to the doctor who prided himself in delivering babies under 7 ½ lbs. Our family moved to New Mexico then Southern Utah to the little town of LaVerkin. It was here my talent in singing began to show. At 14, I was crowned Miss LaVerkin and traveled to the Miss Utah pageant. When I was 16 we moved to St George where I began acting. As a freshman at Dixie College, I had the lead in "Oklahoma" then won an award for "Outstanding in Modern Dance". In my 19th summer I worked as a cabin maid during the day and sang for the evening programs at night.



Continuing my studies at "Dixie" I played Eliza in "My Fair Lady". I won a dramatic arts scholarship to New York City's Barnhard College for a summer drama workshop and continued there for a year while working in a bank in Time Square.



Returning to Utah I started school at Brigham Young University. On a blind date, I met Russell Owen Carr. I was smitten and we were married in the St. George Temple on September 7, 1962. The following September, while we were dorm parents, our son Randy was born. Upon graduation we moved for Russell's job, as a banker, to Long Beach, CA. There Nathan, our second son was born. We subsequently moved to my hometown of St. George, then Provo where we put down roots at 68 N. 500 E. across the street from my brother and his family. It was here that Mary-elise, Joel, Allison, William (Billy) and Summer were born. It was here too, that our 2nd son, Nathan, died at 7 from an aneurysm. I was again active in church and local theater. Our family became featured extras in "Mr Krueger's Christmas" with Jimmy Stewart. (If you blink you'll miss us) I also had a singing role in the BYU centennial production of "Brigham" with Harve Presnell.



I was encouraged by friends to try for the "big time" in Hollywood, so in 1982 we moved our family to Burbank, CA where we spent 10 wonderful years. I worked hard to break into the entertainment industry but had little success. My success was on a more modest scale with local theater in "Father of the Bride", Kiss and Tell", and "Cinderella". My vision of success in "show business" began to pale in comparison to my love in my role as a mother, and a wife. I loved seeing my children blossom and grow in their faith. It was here that 2 of our sons were called on missions for the LDS Church. In 1992 we returned to Utah, once again to our home on 500 East. More missions followed for two of our children. Five of our children have married to wonderful spouses and subsequently 20 grandchildren have followed.



In 2003 after my husband Russell retired, we were called to serve as missionaries to the New Zealand Wellington Mission. We were delighted. New Zealand was where Russell had served as a young man and was also where his father William was born. We loved the people and the experience there, but not without incident. I broke my hip and also my wrist in 2 separate accidents during the 21 months we were there. I guess I was accident prone.



Since returning home we have had the glorious experience of serving as ordinance workers in the Provo Temple. I have also returned to act in my most meaningful stage role in "Savior of the World", which is a musical production depicting the birth, death, and resurrection of the Savior produced by the LDS church each year. I have been in this play every year since it began with the opening of the Conference Center, except when we were missionaries and one other run. I have had other roles in movies, some for the LDS Church, commercials etc, but all have paled in comparison to the role of "Elizabeth" and Mary the mother of James. I look forward to meeting them and my Savior, also my son Nathan, my brother Wells, my parents, my granddaughter Jenna, and others whom I have loved. I leave behind my beloved husband Russell, sister Miriam, brother Harlan, best friend Vuokko, children and grandchildren and many others, but I know I will see them again.



There are other things I would have liked to do and see; other performances in Savior of the World, another mission with my husband Russell, witnessing my grandchildren go on missions, and being with a daughter and grandchildren as they are married in the temple. This was not in the Lord's plan for me. What he has in mind I do not know, but I look forward to that new experience. Lynne Harrison Carr (written by her husband)



A viewing will be held at Wheeler Mortuary in Springville on Thursday, November 11 from 6-8 pm. On Friday, November 12, a second viewing from 11:45 -12:45 pm and the funeral at 1 pm will be held at the LDS chapel 667 North 600 East, Provo.