Carolyn Stewart Vannoy

Carolyn Elizabeth Stewart Vannoy, age 73, of Morganton, formally of Bessemer City, passed away at UNC Health Blue Ridge late Friday evening, September 4, 2026. She was born September 24, 1952, in Gaston County, to the late Roland E. “Jack” and Katherine Elizabeth Harrison Stewart.

Carolyn was the eldest of five siblings. She was a loving and strong mother who cared deeply for her family, which was always a very important part of her life. Carolyn received her Registered Nurse degree after attending Lincoln Memorial University and Gaston College. Because of her love of nursing and caring for people, she spent most of her career in the Emergency Room and as a hospice nurse. Carolyn was a woman of strong faith, full of the Holy Ghost, and was a powerful prayer warrior who faithfully prayed for others. She had a compassionate heart and loved people. She was humble, gentle, and caring. Carolyn was also very musically talented. She enjoyed playing the drums and guitar and loved to sing. She also had a love for animals and enjoyed farm life.

In addition to her parents, Carolyn was preceded in death by her loving husband of 55 years, Mike Vannoy; and brother-in-law, Brad Vannoy.

Survivors include her son, Christopher Ryan Vannoy; sisters, Elaine Stewart, Tina Stewart, Donna (Jeff) Adams, and children, Melissa Harris Gaddis, Jeffrey Harris, Tyler Harris; and brother, Ronnie (Pam) Stewart, and children, Joshua (Courtney) Stewart, Sarah (Austin) Dalton; sisters-in-law and brother-in-law, Sandra Kaye (Charles) Lowry, and children, Jennifer (Edward) McAndrew, Melissa (Joseph) Beaty; Nancy Faye (William) Hillman, and children, Darren William (Rebecca) Hillman, Jeremy James Hillman; Brenda (Barry) Todd, and children, Nicole (Jeffery) Ayers, Clifford (Shannon) Sumpter, Sarah (Timothy) Hutchinson; and numerous cousins and other extended family.

Carolyn was loved dearly and will be greatly missed.

The family will receive friends from 12:00 PM until 12:45 PM, Wednesday, September 9, 2026, at Carpenter-Porter Funeral and Cremation Services, with a Celebration of Life following at 1:00 PM, in the chapel.

Burial will follow at Bessemer City Memorial Cemetery.

Condolences may be made to www.carpenterporter.com