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1937 Carolyn 2020

Carolyn Trantham

July 1, 1937 — February 11, 2020

Canton

Carolyn Smithdeal Trantham, age 82, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, February 11, 2020.

Carolyn was born in Iredell County, NC to Clyde and Nena Honeycutt Smithdeal. She lived most of her life in Haywood County.  In addition to her parents, Carolyn is preceded in death by her husband Jim; and two grandchildren, Bryan Edwards and Adam Trantham.

Carolyn excelled in school, graduating Salutatorian from Landis High School and Magna Cum Laude from UNCA, earning a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Education and a master’s degree in Education from UNC. Carolyn was named to Who’s Who in American Colleges and Universities. Carolyn taught school in Haywood County for 25 years, also serving as a teacher evaluator. She always said of teaching that she couldn’t believe they paid her to have so much fun.

An advocate for education, Carolyn inspired a love for reading among her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  They learned to love books by sitting at her side listening to beloved stories such as Blueberries for Sal, Nurse Nancy and Are You My Mother? In this way, she demonstrated something even more valuable: the skill of being present with a person, no matter their age.

Carolyn loved traveling in the RV with her husband, Jim, fulfilling what she said she knew from the beginning: that life with Jim would never be boring.  She kept travel journals of their various destinations, which included all 50 states.  Above all she was a dedicated wife to Jim, who credited her with all his success in life.

A constant source of empathy and wise counsel, she displayed unconditional love to her family, always putting their needs before her own.  We will endeavor to continue her legacy of unending compassion and unconditional love.

Carolyn is survived by her brother, C. William Smithdeal and wife, Joyce, two sons, Mark and Kathy Trantham and Doug and Amy Trantham, four grandchildren, Jacob Trantham, Emily Fleenor, Sara Gatilogo, and Robin Hayes; and four great-grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, February 14 at Canton First Baptist Church with the Reverend Dr. Court Greene and Reverend Ray Shepard officiating. The family will receive friends following the service in the fellowship hall.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Canton First Baptist Church, 74 Academy Street, Canton, NC 28716 or Canton Public Library Children’s Department, 11 Pennsylvania Avenue, Canton, NC 28716.

The care of Mrs. Trantham has been entrusted to Wells Funeral Homes

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Carolyn Trantham, please visit our flower store.

Service Schedule

Past Services

Celebration of Life

Friday, February 14, 2020

Starts at 1:00 pm (Eastern time)

Canton First Baptist Church

208 Academy St, Canton, NC 28716

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Visitation following service

Friday, February 14, 2020

Canton First Baptist Church

208 Academy St, Canton, NC 28716

Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text. Standard text messaging rates apply.

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