Mary Carolyn (Johnson) Stroud

Mrs. Mary Carolyn (Johnson) Stroud, age 82 of Cameron, NC transitioned to eternal rest on Sunday, May 17, 2026, at Duke University Hospital in Durham, NC.

Obituary

“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith; Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only but unto all them also that loved His appearing.” 2 Timothy 4:7-8

Mrs. Mary Carolyn Johnson Stroud was born on June 6, 1943, and was the eighth child of twelve children to the late Grady Van and Ethel Alston Johnson of Siler City, North Carolina, where she spent her early childhood years. On May 17, 2026, at Duke University Hospital, she transitioned to her Heavenly Home.

Carolyn was known as “Cake Lady”, “Aunt Carol”, but to most as “Cat”. She was a beautiful soul, a faithful servant, devoted wife, a loving mother, caring grandmother, cherished sister, aunt, and a dear friend. She was exceptionally dedicated, dependable, genuine, and an excellent singer. She would always greet you with a smile, even when it wasn’t her best day. Carolyn was a phenomenal cook. Many of her happiest moments were in the kitchen, preparing jelly, pickles, chow-chow, and meals for the holidays, family gatherings/reunions, or simply dinner for the evening. Carolyn was well known for her famous red velvet, german chocolate, coconut, and pound cakes, which were a big hit during Christmas. She had her own unforgettable touch on every dish. Carolyn was one who rarely said “No” even when it pushed her to the limits, she always made it happen.

Carolyn graduated from Chatham High School in 1961. There, she held various leadership positions, including her Class Assistant Secretary. Throughout her school journey, she became good friends with Mrs. Sandra Washington. While growing up in Chatham County, she was a member of Evans Chapel A.M.E. Zion Church, where she sang in the choir.

Carolyn met her husband, the late Mr. Raymond Odell Stroud in 1960 at an A.M.E. Zion Annual Conference in Laurinburg, North Carolina. They later married in 1964, under their fifty-nine year union shared two children. Shortly after marriage, she moved from Evans Chapel A.M.E Zion

Church to join her husband's church, the former Johnsonville A.M.E Zion Church, under the late Dr. Mattie M. Walden, now known as Johnsonville Community Church Incorporated. She loved her church and praising the Lord. She sang in several choirs. Carolyn was one of the original members of the Gospel Choir for 62 years, along with her Sister-In-Christ, Bobbie Jordan. There she served as the choir Vice-President and Treasurer. She was the former Advisor/President of the Youth and Young Adult (YYA) Choir for 35 years, President of the First Sunday Choir, and also a member of two former choirs; Spiritual Travelers and Gospel Messengers. Carolyn was actively involved in the annual Missionary Program in honor of Pearl Stroud, Secretary for the Life Members, Class Leader #4, Ministry of Kindness Stewart, Head of the Hospitality Ministry, a member of Lay Council, and Women of Faith. Additionally, at church, she was the Head Florist Committee, displaying her love for flowers. She won 2015 Mother of the Year of Johnsonville A.M.E Zion Church, the Woman of the Year Award from Harnett County NAACP, Youth Missionary Leader of the Year, and Minister and Laity Black and Gold Award from the Dunn-Lillington District. Carolyn not only worked hard in her church, she also worked as the treasurer for the McGilberry/McGilvary Family Reunion for many years. She was also a member of Community Development and Harnett County Extension and Community Association.

Carolyn worked at Federal Spinning Corporation as a textile worker in Sanford, North Carolina. There she met Mrs. Minnie Headen, Mrs. Martha Petty, Mrs. Susan Roberts, Rev. Shirley Williams and they became lifelong friends. Shortly after, in 1978, she was in a serious car accident with God's grace and her determination, she recovered as a Home Maker, spending most of her time as a nurturer of generations, planting flowers, helping others in need and catering to her community.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Raymond Stroud; three brothers, Grady, Pearl, and Henry Johnson; three sisters, Dorothy Crutchfield, Mildred Johnson, and Josephine Pugh, three grandsons; Matthew, Paris, Noah French; and one granddaughter, Scottie Latoya Stroud.

Carolyn leaves to cherish her memories with her two children, Reginald Odell Stroud of Cameron, NC and Vonetta Carol Stroud French of Sanford, NC; four bonus children, O'Neil Stroud, Travis Stroud (Jacquelyn), Angela Bell (Ray), Vicky Fulton (Edward); bonus son-in-law, Marlon McLeod; four grandchildren; Forrest Tucker, Justyn Stroud, Amonique Stroud, Mikayla French; ten great grandchildren, Rayshawn Worthy Stroud, Aaniyah Seymore, Brian Seymore, Jr., Za’Carie Seymore, Jahiem Tucker, Jamarius Stroud, Ka’Leigha Fuller, Khloe Thompson, Naila Stroud, Kalilah Stroud; two great-great grandchildren, Amoura Dior Worthy Stroud and Amiri Dream Stroud; two sisters, Barbara Green, of Siler City, NC and Helen Alston (Jack), of High Point, NC; three brothers, Joe Daniel Johnson of Burlington, NC, Leon Johnson, of Siler City, NC, and Cedell Johnson of Pittsboro, NC; two brothers-in-law, O’Neill Freeman Stroud and Ernest Pugh; one sister-in-law; Edna Johnson, and a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Family and friends will be received at 81 Johnsonville School Road, Cameron, NC, 28326, daily from 3pm - 8pm.

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Professional services entrusted to Knotts Funeral Home - Sanford, NC