Carolyn Whitley Thomasson

March 30, 2024

MATTHEWS, NC - Carolyn Whitley Thomasson, of Matthews, North Carolina, a remarkable wife, mother, and grandmother, left her earthly struggles behind on March 30, 2024 and joined her Lord and Savior during Holy Week. Carolyn loved her family, and they loved her fiercely in return. In the early 90s, in devotion to her loved ones, she established Saturday as “family day” where her family came together weekly for fellowship and dinner - a tradition that continues to this day.

A Charlotte native, Carolyn was born on November 15, 1937 and spent her life in the Mooresville and Charlotte areas.   She graduated from Central High and went on to obtain her Bachelor of Arts in Bible and Christian Education from Flora MacDonald College in Red Springs, North Carolina. Carolyn spent the early years of her marriage supporting her husband, Jim, in his career as a pilot in the Air Force and raising four girls. She then embarked on a long and successful career in real estate, first as an agent and then as broker-in-charge of Prudential Greater Carolinas Realty and Allen Tate Company. During her career, she mentored many young agents and served as President of the Charlotte Association of Realtors. Carolyn served as an Elder and Stephen Minister at Sardis Presbyterian Church. A talented soprano and pianist, she was a choir member for most of her life at Plaza Presbyterian, First Presbyterian (Mooresville), and Sardis Presbyterian.

Carolyn is survived by her husband, James Howard Thomasson, whom she married in June 1960 and enjoyed 63 years of marriage. She is also survived by four daughters, Ruth Thomasson Riley (Pat), Diane Thomasson Barndt (Tim), Michelle Thomasson Allen (Ray) and Cynthia Thomasson Fenninger (Mike). She was the beloved Grandmommy of a host of grandchildren, Amanda Crenshaw, Jamie Martin, Tommie Martin, Lauren Barndt, Rachel Barndt, Jon Allen, Jordan Fenninger, and Jessie Fenninger and two great-grandchildren, Lily Martin and Bradley Martin. She is survived by a brother, Roy A. Whitley, Jr. Carolyn was predeceased by her parents, Roy A. Whitley and Ruth Ballard Whitley, her sister, Sylvia Craft Helms, and a grandson, Jake Allen.

The family would like to thank the home health care aides at Matthews Glen, the nurses and CNAs at WillowBrooke Court and the care providers from Via Health Partners, formerly Hospice & Palliative Care Charlotte Region, for their compassionate and skillful care.

A celebration of Carolyn’s life will be held on Friday, April 19, 2024 at 2:00 PM at Sardis Presbyterian Church with the Rev. Dr. Joe B. Martin presiding, with a reception to follow the service.

Memorials may be made to the Sardis Presbyterian Music Fund, 6100 Sardis Road, Charlotte, North Carolina 28270.

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

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  • Pat Eller

    My fondest memory of my cousin Carolyn is an old one. I was a little girl spending a weekend with Aunt Ruth and Uncle Roy, and I was sitting with Carolyn on her bed. She was writing a letter to her boyfriend Jim who was in the military. She told me she wrote him a letter every single day. As a little girl I wondered what you could say in a letter every day, but looking back, I think that was the most romantic and loving thing I have ever known anyone to do. That was Carolyn. Sending condolences, prayers and love to the family. Pat and Ray Eller

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  • Alan & Ruth Jaffre

    Ruth & I thought very highly of Carolyn. An Outstanding lady in so many ways. Just being around Carolyn always made your day brighter. Always ready to help you become a better person, her fabulous smile seemed to reach deep into your heart. We will certainly miss her and we know the anguish her family is going through. GOD BLESS YOU.

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  • mildred canterbury

    She has completed her journey . What wonderful memories I have. The times spent at the lake putting up corn and veggies from John's garden...
    and my boys and the Thomasson girls , just having fun when all were young ,, brings a smile to my face. Rest in His Peace Carolyn.
    Warm hugs to Jim and the girls. and the rest of that wonderful family.

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  • John Hovis

    It was my honor to know Carolyn at Sardis Pres and to sing with her in the Sardis choir.

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  • Barbara Broadway

    So very sorry!! She was a wonderful lady!!

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