Carolyn C. Gold

Born on October 24, 1939, in Gaffney, SC, to James Ralph Clary and Pauline Robbins Clary Mullinax, Carolyn was a beacon of light and love to everyone she met.

Carolyn's life was a testament to her enduring and joyful spirit. She married the love of her life, John Phillip Gold, and together they celebrated over sixty-two years of marriage, having met at a drive-in café in their youth. Together, they built a beautiful life centered around three children: Clary (Mark), Phillip (Kelly), and Ben (Love). She was also the proud and adoring Nana of her seven grandchildren: Caroline, Katherine, Elias, Elizabeth, Josephine, Onaleaha, and Ryan. Carolyn was a beloved figure in her family, which included her sister-in-law Dale, nieces Lori, Nancy, Jodi, Dale, and Kim, and her nephews Tommy, Jimmy, Christian, and Joel. She was preceded in death by her sister Joan, her brother James, and welcomed into heaven by her parents and stepfather, Paul Mullinax.

After graduating from Gaffney High School, Carolyn pursued her passion for education by earning a degree in Early Childhood Education from Limestone College and later a Master of Education from Furman University. She was a devoted elementary school teacher who touched the lives of countless children throughout her career. Her commitment to nurturing young minds was evident, a vocation that earned her the esteemed Marquis Who's Who Top Educator Award in 1994.

Carolyn never met a stranger, surely because she never gave them a chance to remain one. Her conversations, whether with a lifelong friend or a new acquaintance, were filled with genuine interest and compassion. Outside the classroom, Carolyn had a zest for life that was infectious. She was an ardent fan of the Clemson Tigers and the Atlanta Braves, and her love for Bruce Springsteen's music was well-known among her friends and family. Carolyn found solace in the tranquility of her garden, the comfort of a soft flannel, and the fulfillment of spending quality time with her family. Her faith was important to her, and she was an active and devoted member of her church, living by the words of 1 Peter 5:7: "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you."

To have known Carolyn was to love her. It was to witness a woman who could be as stubborn and hardheaded as she was gentle and compassionate. Carolyn's impact on those around her was immeasurable, and her absence will be deeply felt by all who had the privilege of knowing her. Let her life be a reminder that each of us has the capacity to make a profound difference in the lives of others and that, in doing so, we honor the greatest commandment of all—to love one another as He has loved us.

In lieu of flowers, please contribute to United Ministries Emergency Services

A graveside service for Carolyn will be held Wednesday, December 20, 2023 at 11:30 AM at Frederick Memorial Gardens, 986 Chesnee Hwy, Gaffney, SC 29341.