Carolyn Ann Carpenter Connelly, age 83, of Cherryville, passed away November 27, 2025, at her home. She was born December 22, 1941, in Cabarrus County, to the late Boyd Hampton and Pauline Hinson Carpenter.

Carolyn was a member at First Wesleyan Church. She was a great cook and enjoyed trying new dishes and recipes. Her granddaughters especially loved her chocolate cake. Carolyn liked cross stitch, loved the beach, and most of all, loved her family and grandkids. She will be remembered for her unwavering faith. She loved her Lord, and she loved her family.

In addition to her parents, Carolyn was preceded in death by her brothers, Pete Carpenter, Ronald Carpenter, and Bill Carpenter; and sisters, Betty Jean Smith, and Janet Sue Shook.

Survivors include her husband of 62 years, Richard L. Connelly; sons, Richard, Jr. (Marcella), and Jon Everette (Suzanne); daughter, Debbie Kennerly (Britt); 4 grandchildren; and 4 great-grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 PM on Wednesday, December 3, at First Wesleyan Church in Cherryville, with Rev. Mark Poe officiating. The family will receive friends from 1:00 PM until 1:45 PM, prior to the service at the church.

An entombment will be held at Westlawn Memorial Park, China Grove, on Thursday, December 4, 2025, at 11:30 AM.

Memorials may be made to Wendover Hospice House – 951 Wendover Heights Dr, Shelby, NC 28150 or First Wesleyan Church – 800 N Pink St, Cherryville, NC 28021.

Condolences may be made to www.carpenterporter.com