Carolyn A Jacobs

A Tribute to the Life of Carolyn Jacobs

Known professionally as C.J. Spaulding

Carolyn Jacobs, known professionally to many as C.J. Spaulding, passed away peacefully and comfortably at her home in Covington, Kentucky. She leaves behind a legacy of leadership, faith, compassion, and devotion to her family and community.

Independent to the end, Carolyn proudly maintained her driver’s license and was still driving her beloved manual-transmission sports car until about a month before her passing. Her confidence, resilience, and enthusiasm for life never diminished.

Born in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1936 to Clifford and Virginia Kocian Sr., Carolyn was the eldest of six children. She grew up with her brothers, Jeff, Clifford, Kenny, Joe Kocian, and her sister, Kay Treanor. Her parents owned a respected Kocian Meats a butcher business in the heart of Cleveland that had served the community for more than a century, instilling in their family the values of hard work, integrity, and service.

Carolyn shared many happy years with her husband, Stephen Spalding, who preceded her in death in 2003. Their marriage was one of companionship, mutual respect, and enduring love, and his memory remained close to her heart throughout the years that followed.

Her faith was the cornerstone of her life. As a devoted member of her cathedral, Carolyn’s spirited love of God was reflected in the quiet way she lived serving others, extending compassion, and treating everyone with dignity and respect.

Professionally, Carolyn became known throughout Newark, Ohio, as C.J. Spaulding, an admired leader of the YMCA. Beginning as a volunteer instructor for women’s exercise classes around 1970, she rose through the organization to become Executive Director and later Chief Executive Officer. Her vision and leadership strengthened the YMCA’s mission and positively influenced generations of individuals and families.

Carolyn’s generosity extended well beyond her professional life. She was a devoted blood donor, a dependable neighbor, and someone who instinctively stepped forward whenever help was needed. Whether offering a ride, lending encouragement, or greeting someone with the unmistakable twinkle in her eye, she made people feel valued.

She also had a lifelong love of animals, sharing her home with Irish Wolfhounds, Whippets, and rescue dogs. Her compassion embraced every creature fortunate enough to find its way into her care.

A proud Clevelander at heart, Carolyn remained a loyal Cleveland Browns fan, celebrating the highs and standing by her team through every challenge with characteristic optimism and loyalty.

Above all, Carolyn treasured her family. She was an exceptional mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother whose greatest joy came from watching those she loved grow and succeed. Her encouragement, wisdom, and unconditional love became gifts that will continue to shape future generations.

Carolyn is lovingly remembered by her daughters, Virginia Jacobs and Holly Jacobs; her grandchildren, Patrick Kenkel, Brenton Kenkel, and Bridgette Granger; her great-grandchild, Finn Kenkel; her siblings, Jeff Kocian, Clifford Kocian, Kenny Kocian, Joe Kocian, and Kay Treanor; and many nieces, nephews, friends, neighbors, fellow parishioners, and former colleagues.

Whether she was known as Carolyn, Mom, Grandma, or C.J. Spaulding, she will be remembered for a life defined by purpose, humility, faith, and love. Her legacy lives on in the family she cherished, the community she strengthened, and the countless people whose lives are better because she was part of them.

She will be deeply missed, forever loved, and always remembered with gratitude.