Carolyn Averine Tantum Lear, age 93, of New Egypt passed away on Wednesday, April 11 at Deborah Hospital in Browns Mills with her family by her side. Born in New Egypt, she was a lifetime resident. Carolyn was a retired secretary at McGuire AFB after 18 years. She was a lifelong member of the Plumsted Presbyterian Church, an active member of the New Egypt Historical Society and a past matron of the New Egypt Sphinx Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star. Carolyn was predeceased by her parents, C. Edward and Eva May Tantum; her husband, Elwood “Dutch” Lear and two sons, Don and Duane Lear. She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Carol Lee and Don Reed of New Egypt; a daughter-in-law, Billie Ann and husband Randy Carter of Georgia; grandson, Steven Reed and wife Dena of New Egypt; granddaughter, Stacy Reed and son Hunter of Cream Ridge; grandchildren Christa Noe and Brandon Carter of Tennessee, Michael Lear of New Egypt, Kelly Klein of Pennsylvania and Amy Tratolla of South Carolina and several great-grandchildren. A memorial service for Carolyn will be held on Wednesday, April 18 at 11:00 AM at the Plumsted Presbyterian Church, 14 Front Street in New Egypt officiated by Reverend Larry VanHise and Reverend Phyllis Zoon. Family and friends are invited to stay for a luncheon following the service. Burial will be private at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Carolyn’s memory may be made to the Plumsted Presbyterian Church, 14 Front Street, New Egypt, NJ 08533. Arrangements are under the direction of the Tilghman Funeral Home in New Egypt (www.tilghmanfh.com).