Carol Stough York Voutsinas was taken from us too soon on October 23, 2015, when her vehicle was involved in a traffic accident.
Born in Montgomery, Alabama, Carol was a true Southern Beauty in every sense of those words: a woman of great strength, humor, grace, charm, humility, and intelligence. Carol was the oldest child born to Carroll H. and Marion Kimbrough Stough on February 16, 1950. She grew up as an active member of the Montgomery community where she graduated from High School. Carol enjoyed a happy childhood with her brother Henry (Sharon) Stough and her sister Kathy Stough Gunter, both of Montgomery.
Carol was happily married to Evangelos (Van) Voutsinas, her husband of over 34 years. They lived in Elgin surrounded by their beloved dogs, cats, and horses. Carol and Van created a loving and beautiful home where they often welcomed friends and extended family. Known for their beautifully appointed table, Carol and Van hosted countless holiday dinner parties that will be lovingly remembered by all who were blessed with an invitation.
Carol and Van filled their marriage with great love for each as well as a shared faith. Carol was a devoted member of Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church, where she was very active in the Philoptochos Women's Group. When Carol was baptized in the Orthodox faith, she chose the name Anastasia. The family wishes to express their appreciation to Father Vasileios Flegas for his great friendship and care.
Carol had a lifelong love of learning. She was a graduate of Auburn University and earned Master's Degrees from both St. Edward's University and The University of Texas at Austin. Her professional life was dedicated to practicing clinical social work. Over her very successful career, Carol worked as a Speech Pathologist for Austin ISD, as a Social Worker for Austin State Hospital, as Assistant Director of MHMR Community Mental Health Center of Houston, and Assistant Director of Austin Settlement Home. She then began to focus her professional work on her private practice, specifically utilizing EMDR to serve both the field of clinical social work as well as her clients. She was the founding Executive Director of EMDR International Association and received numerous awards for her outstanding contributions and service to the field. As a leader in the field, Carol traveled internationally and served as a trainer, working to train her peers to better serve their clients. Universally respected for her knowledge and her ability, it is no overstatement to say that Carol's untimely passing brings great sadness to friends and colleagues in several countries. She will be deeply missed by many friends, colleagues, and clients.
A very modest woman, Carol was nonetheless an awardwinning writer and researcher. She was a recipient of the Francine Shapiro Award, given each year to the author of the best EMDR research and paper published during the prior year. She earned the Lifetime Service award from EMDRIA in 2004. In 2013, she presented at the EMDR International Association annual conference on Applications of AIP Model for Children and Adolescents in EMDR Therapy.
Carol loved children and considered the children in her family and her church family one of her greatest joys. She is survived by her husband Van and her siblings Kathy and Henry, as well as her nieces Erin Tubbs (Scott), Taylor Gunter, and Caroline Stough as well as Erin's children, Tyson, Weston, and Rawlins.
A visitation will be held at Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church on Monday evening, October 26, at 7:00 p.m. and a Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday morning, October 27, at 11:00 a.m. at the church. Pallbearers will be James Kalpaxis, Loc Nguyen, Angelos Panagopoulos, Denis Phocas, Ioannis Skevofilax, and Spiros Vellas.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent in Carol's honor to Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church, or the children's charity or animal rescue charity of your choice.