Karlene Frazier Farmer-Faulkner

Karlene Frazier Farmer-Faulkner grew up on rural Georgia, the daughter of a farmer, and one girl among five brothers. She married Matthew Carleton “M.C.” Farmer, completed business college, and moved to Mobile, Alabama, where they started a construction business in 1950. The Farmers were active in the founding, growth and development of the University of Mobile, also serving as leaders in the Mobile community and Dauphin Way Baptist Church. Together, they established the M.C. and Karlene Farmer Scholarship, one of the largest endowed scholarship funds for the University of Mobile, which continues to provide financial aid to students planning to enter Christian ministries. M.C. served as a member of the university’s Board of Trustees, and Karlene was a founding member of the Mobile College Auxiliary and served as co-chairman of the Scholarship Committee.

In 1987, shortly after her husband’s death, Karlene Farmer was named First Lady of Mobile in recognition of her outstanding contributions to the community. She served as a member of the Board of Trustees (1987-1996), and her generous gifts included funds for the construction of the M.C. Farmer Building. In 1991, the University of Mobile awarded her the Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters.

She married James H. “Jimmy” Faulkner, Sr., of Bay Minette, Alabama, a leader in business, government and the media. Together, they share a deep commitment to Christian higher education and developing the talents of young men and women. Karlene Farmer Faulkner Hall is named in her honor.

A UM Board of Trustees resolutions says of Karlene Farmer-Faulkner:

“Her sincere humility and gracious spirit has inspired and provided encouragement, hope and faith for those who have been fortunate enough to know her.”