Carolyn Rebecca Pope Young went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Tuesday, November 5th, 2024. Carolyn had a heart as big as her smile and was a giver to her very core. She shared her warmth and kindness freely, touching countless lives with her compassion and grace. Her absence leaves a profound emptiness, but the memories of her love and laughter will forever echo in the hearts of those who knew her.
Born to Walter Glenn (Bob) Pope, Sr. and Edna Helms Pope on March 17, 1948, Carolyn was the fourth of five children. Known affectionately as "Cacky" by her family, she spent her childhood surrounded by siblings and cousins who created a lively group lovingly referred to as "the Little Rascals." Together, they formed bonds that would last a lifetime, filling her early years with warmth, fun, and a spirit of togetherness that she carried into adulthood.
Carolyn graduated from Lees McRae College in 1969 with an Associate’s Degree and began a dedicated career in cytotechnology. During college, she met the love of her life, Myles "Buddy" Young, Jr., and they married on June 6, 1971. In 1978, they welcomed their beloved daughter, Heather Marie Young, into their lives. A few years later, Carolyn and Buddy found a spiritual home at Resurrection Church, where Carolyn would serve faithfully in numerous roles over the years. Her love for her church family ran deep, and she was always ready to lend a hand wherever she saw a need, embodying the essence of service.
After more than 47 years with Atrium Health Systems, Carolyn retired, but slowing down was never in her nature. Her days continued to be filled with dear friends, volunteering at church and generally helping wherever she saw a need. Above all, she cherished time with her grandchildren, Giovanni (Gio) and Lilyana (Lily) Trester, who brought her immense pride and joy.
Carolyn’s legacy is one of kindness, generosity, and a life lived in service to others. Though she is no longer with us, her spirit will live on in the love she shared and the lives she touched.
Carolyn was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Walter Glenn (Bobby) Pope, Jr., and her beloved husband, Buddy.
She is survived by her sisters, Glenda Pope Towery (Tommy), Judy Pope Herring (Steve, deceased), and Janice Pope; her daughter Heather Young Trester (Christopher); her grandchildren Gio and Lily; and her nieces, nephews, and extended family who will hold her memory dear.
A graveside service will be held at Catawba Memorial Park, in Hickory on Saturday, November 23rd at 11am with Pastor Billy Miller officiating. Burial will follow.
A memorial service will be held at Resurrection Church, Charlotte on Sunday, November 24th at 2pm. The family will receive visitors after each service, refreshments to be provided.
A donation in her memory can be made to Resurrection Church https://www.reschurchclt.org/ or to Nourish Up https://nourishup.org.
Condolences may be left at www.catawbamemorialpark.com.
