Carolyn Ann (Owens) Lumpkins

Ms. Carolyn Ann Lumpkins, age 79 of  Pittsboro, North Carolina transitioned into eternal rest Tuesday, November 9, 2021, at her residence in Pittsboro.

“And God will wipe every tear from their eyes; there shall be no death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain for the former things have passed away.”

                                                                                                                                Revelations 21:4

Carolyn Ann Lumpkins, daughter of the late William Owens and Ernestine Garrett Owens was born February 13, 1942, in Baltimore, Maryland. She was the eldest of her three sisters Myra, Gloria, and Linda who admired and cherished their big sister. Carolyn was nurtured in a home with the love of God and family and she demonstrated those values and morals throughout her life.

Carolyn was educated in Baltimore City Public Schools and graduated from Frederick Douglass High School in 1960. After graduation, she married the late Charles Blackwell and from that union, two beautiful children were born, Charles Anthony Blackwell and Sharilyn Blackwell. Carolyn was employed in various positions throughout her adulthood and held a position in the Federal Government at the Social Security Administration for many years. Carolyn later married the late James Lumpkins and from that union, a beautiful daughter was born, Leticia Renee Lumpkins.

In the early 70s, Carolyn decided to move from her home in Baltimore, Maryland to North Carolina. In North Carolina, Carolyn created a loving and warm home for her children and welcomed her family from Baltimore to visit and spend time there. She was employed at the Veterans Hospital in Durham before taking her position at Duke Clinical Research Institute with the Outcomes Research Group for thirty-nine years. She retired from Duke in 2013. Her presence there touched countless patients and secured a place of appreciation and gratitude in many hearts.

Carolyn was a devoted mother who loved and cherished her children and grandchildren. She was gentle, warm-hearted, gracious, and generous. Her home was welcoming and her hospitality was reflective of her Godly spirit. She opened her heart to many people during her life’s journey, creating and nurturing life-long friendships. Her loving spirit brought sunshine and love to all that came into contact with her. Her heart-warming smile and twinkling eyes welcomed everyone into her happy place.

Carolyn was active in her friends’ circle and was a member of the Silver Lining Circle which provided activities for residences in various nursing homes in Durham. She also was an active member of the  Birthday Club and was always eager to celebrate each month with her friends.

Carolyn’s religious journey culminated at Pittsboro Church of God where she remained a faithful member serving as a devoted usher welcoming all that entered God’s sanctuary with a kind word and warm smile. She was also assigned to the Deaconess Ministry, where her light was illuminated by assisting the pastor and fellow church members. She loved singing in the choir and sharing her gifts with the decoration and other committees.     

Carolyn peacefully departed this earth and earned her wings on Monday, November 9, 2021, at the age of seventy-nine. Her loving spirit, quiet soul, and peaceful presence will be greatly missed. She held true to 2 Timothy 4:7, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”

Carolyn was predeceased by her parents. She is survived by her children, Charles Anthony Blackwell (Colette), Sharilyn Blackwell, and Leticia Renee Lumpkins; six grandchildren, Derek Blackwell, Brittany Tinnin, Ashley Appiah, Brandon Blackwell, Chali Blackwell, and Tamia Blackwell; one great-grandchild Naadiya Blackwell; three sisters, Myra Queen (Albert), Gloria Gross, and Linda Lilly (Delandies), and one uncle, Arnold Allen (Doretha); a host of loving nieces, nephews and cousins, all of Baltimore, as well as a special friend, Charles Thaxton of Durham, North Carolina.   

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Professional services are entrusted to Knotts Funeral Home, Pittsboro.