Carolyn Carroll Bolton

Carolyn Harriett Carroll Bolton, 81, of Durham, NC passed away on July 17, 2026. Mrs. Bolton was born April 28, 1945, in Johnston County to the late Garland Ross and Arah Flowers Carroll.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her brothers, Bobby, Ross, and David Carroll; sisters Janet Pickett, Sandy Carroll.and Louise Fleming.

She is survived by her husband Cecil Rodney Bolton; sister, Geraldine “Gerry" Taylor; brother, Neal Carroll (Steve Vandall); brother-in-law Scott Pickett; sisters-in-law, Ginger Stanhope and Brenda Holder (Billy) as well as several nieces and nephews.

Carolyn was the oldest daughter of Garland and Arah to marry. She was 28 when she married Cecil. They were married for 53 years, and she was the love of Cecil's life. It was a mutual love. Carolyn carried a note in her purse that Cecil wrote the 1st year they were married, and she would transfer it every time she changed purses. It's still in her current purse 53 years later. The paper has changed color, but the message is still clear. Carolyn was still at home in her early 20’s, and she made sure the last 3 youngest kids, Sandy, David & Neal always had toys at Christmas and clothes to wear. She treated them like her own and helped Mama and Daddy however she could. Carolyn would take us kids to Duke Park in her white Ford Falcon that she had for many years. Those were always fun days and would be the equivalent of going to a theme park today for us. Many times, we would stop at Burger King afterwards. Carolyn loved flowers- a gift we all acquired from our mother. She loved working in the yard and flower gardens and watching the fruits of her labor blossom. Carolyn was a hard worker and very meticulous about whatever she was doing whether it be wrapping gifts, baking and decorating cakes (Red Velvet our favorite) or her job at Duke. She knew Duke benefits inside and out and was a valued and respected employee for her knowledge and work ethic. Carolyn loved all her family and in-laws and always enjoyed seeing them at family gatherings for birthdays, holidays or any occasion. She also loved her extended family; aunts, uncles and cousins and enjoyed seeing them whenever possible usually at family reunions. Over the last 20 years Carolyn has always looked forward to our annual October West Virginia trip with the fall colors at their peak and many festivals to enjoy. As the song goes Almost Heaven West Virginia - that’s what it felt like. It was a respite we all needed and enjoyed every year. Those memories will linger in our hearts forever. The last few years Carolyn was unable to go because Cecil's health had declined, and she didn't feel comfortable leaving him. Once Cecil had to go in a care facility she would go visit him at least 4 days a week thanks to her sister Gerry and probably talked to him on the phone every day. We know Cecil will miss Carolyn deeply as will her own family. Carolyn was a rock for our family, a mentor if you needed one and was always there to support you in any way she could. Our commitment and final gift to Carolyn is to continue the care, support, and love for Cecil and to make sure he is always taken care of until God calls him home. We love you Carolyn with all our heart and will miss you deeply. May God always keep you in his precious care.

A visitation will be held on Thursday July 23, 2026, beginning at 1 p.m. at Hudson Funeral Home followed by a funeral service at 2 p.m. at Hudson Funeral Home Chapel. Reverend Jim Dyer will officiate. Interment will be at Raleigh Memorial Park.

Flowers are acceptable or donations can be made to the American Red Cross.