Kenneth Poe Funeral Services

May 6, 2022

Carolyn Porter Darnell was born at St. Peter's Hospital on September 22,1927. She died peacefully on May 6, 2022 at the age of 94. She was the oldest child of Charles Alexander and Corille Avant Porter. The devoted wife of Ira G. "Frosty" Darnell, Carolyn was married for 76 years until Frosty's death in January 2022. 

Carolyn grew up in Dilworth, as did Frosty, her childhood sweetheart. She graduated from high school at Brevard Pre-College, Brevard, N.C. and attended Queens College where she was a member of Kappa Delta sorority. After she and Frosty were married in 1945, Carolyn assisted her mother with her business, Hostess Service of Charlotte. She continued her clerical support for her mother's business for many years. Carolyn and Frosty were members of Christ Lutheran Church from its earliest days. Carolyn was a dedicated member serving the church in numerous capacities. She taught Sunday School, sang in the choir and served as president of Lutheran Church Women. Carolyn was known for being a wonderful cook sharing her talent with her family and friends. Her love for antiquing took her far and wide through the North Carolina countryside looking for rare treasures. With a keen interest in family history and as a direct descendant of Hezekiah Alexander, she was also a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution. 

Carolyn was effusive in her caring for family and friends and shared her lighter side with her constant funny quips. Her boundless energy and devotion to her five children were paramount. Her unconditional love has sustained them throughout their lives. 

Carolyn was preceded in death by her sister, Ruth Porter Hood and husband, Dr. Christopher K. Hood. She is survived by he brother, Dr. Charles A. Porter and wife, Marilyn, of Asheville, N.C. and her five children, Stephen Darnell and wife, Janet, of Raleigh, N.C., Deborah Ferrell and husband, Brent, of Shelby, N.C., David Darnell and wife, Kim, of Holmes Beach, Florida, Stuart Darnell and wife ,Kristin, of Charlotte, N.C., and Susan Liebert and husband ,Richard, of Alpharetta, Georgia. She was beloved as "Mimi" by 10 grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren.

The family will have a private celebration of life service for Carolyn and Frosty.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice and Palliative Care of Charlotte Region, PO Box 470408, Charlotte NC, 28247 or Christ Lutheran Church, 4519 Providence Rd. Charlotte NC 28226.

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC; 28204 (704) 641-7606. Online condolences can be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.