Carolyn Rumph Koopman

Carolyn Rumph Koopman, 102, of Charleston, wife of William Elias Koopman, Sr., entered into eternal rest at her home, surrounded by family, on August 11, 2026.

Carolyn was born in Charleston on August 5, 1924, the daughter of the late Augustus Eden Rumph and Ada Seigler Rumph. She had the privilege of growing up downtown alongside her five brothers and sisters, experiencing through a child’s eyes the beautiful city that she loved. Carolyn was a graduate of Memminger High School and Rice Business College. Following graduation, she was employed by the Office of the U.S. Navy at the Old Citadel.

When First Baptist School opened in 1949, Carolyn began her teaching career. She taught there for 25 years, teaching students from kindergarten through fourth grade and touching the lives of countless children and families.

Carolyn was a devoted and lifelong member of her beloved First Baptist Church of Charleston, where she had attended since the age of five. She was an active member of the church throughout her life, teaching elementary Sunday School, helping with the children's choirs, and sharing her many musical talents through her involvement in the church's music program.

In retirement, Carolyn especially cherished spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She enjoyed time at the family’s mountain house, camping, and traveling to nearly every state in the nation. A wonderful storyteller, Carolyn would often tuck her grandchildren into bed at night and delight them with her beloved “Little Alice” stories. Inspired by adventures from her own childhood, these stories always ended with a meaningful moral. Carolyn had many creative talents. She was known for building replica Charleston dollhouses and miniature furniture, making Raggedy Ann dolls, whimsical clowns, and oyster Santa ornaments. She lovingly shared her creations with friends and also sold them at the Charleston City Market.

Carolyn is survived by her son, William E. Koopman, Jr.; her daughter, Carol Koopman Sudyk (Bill); her five grandchildren, Candice Koopman Lapham, Julie Sudyk Kroeger (Billy), Barbara Koopman, Michael Sudyk (Ginny), and Kimmie Koopman Durham (Jon); and her eight great-grandchildren, Allie Lockman, Sami Durham, Ada Durham, Lindsey Browder, Elias Durham, Katie Kroeger, Mac Sudyk, and Hattie Rose Sudyk. She is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, William Elias Koopman, Sr.; her parents, Augustus Eden Rumph and Ada Victoria Seigler Rumph; her brothers, William Augustus Rumph, Wilson Pershing Rumph, and David Livingston Rumph; her sisters, Alif Rumph Rustin and Lillian Rumph Woodall; and, most recently, her loving daughter-in-law, Carol Mead Koopman.

The family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Family Hospice for their amazing support, compassion, and care throughout this past year, as well as to the wonderful caregivers provided by ComForCare Home Care.

A funeral service celebrating Carolyn's life will be held on Saturday, August 22, 2026, at 11:00 am. at First Baptist Church of Charleston, 48 Meeting Street. Burial will follow at Bethany Cemetery. The family will receive friends, starting at 10:00 am in the church sanctuary.

In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial contributions made to First Baptist Church of Charleston Music Ministry or First Baptist School of Charleston in memory of Carolyn Koopman, honoring her lifelong love for her church and her dedication to the children and families she served throughout her life.

Arrangements by J. Henry Stuhr, Inc. Downtown Chapel.