Miss. Carolyn Gaynell Tarpley, 80, was called home to heaven on April 27, 2023 at Maple Grove Rehabilitation Center, Greensboro NC with Lovie Zebrea Sharpe, her loving great-niece and caregiver by her side. Carolyn was born on July 13, 1942, in Greensboro, NC to the late Rev. Isadore Tarpley and Lovie Iola Goins Tarpley where she was the youngest of four children.

Carolyn was educated in the local schools and graduated from Bennett College in 1965 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Education.

Although she never married nor had children of her own, Carolyn created a special bond with her 6 nieces, 2 nephews, and numerous great nieces and nephews.

Her passion and dedication for educating middle school students led her to an illustrious career of more than 30 years in the Guilford County school system, where she also created special and lifelong bonds with many of her students. Due to her dedication as an educator, Carolyn was the recipient of the 1982 Teacher of the Year award and was honored to have received it.

Other than her love for Jesus and teaching, Carolyn looked forward to traveling with her family, friends, and her church family. Many depended and relied on her to do most if not all the driving which she enjoyed.

Carolyn also enjoyed listening to most genres of music, playing the piano, watching old movies, and during her younger years, even joined a bowling league with Grace Luthern Church.

Many of us remember Carolyn as an avid reader and writer. She consistently journaled for 60 years with daily writings up until 2019 when writing became too difficult and painful. She had a unique and distinctive penmanship which you recognized immediately.

Carolyn was a faithful member and servant of St. James Baptist Church, Greensboro NC. for over 50 years where she served in many ministries. Just to name a few, she enjoyed teaching her Adult Women's Sunday School Class, singing in numerous choirs; The PEG Choral Guild, The Senior Choir, and The Women's Choir.

She also served as Vacation Bible School Director, started and directed a children's singing ministry, "The Stars" ages 4-9 which performed on special occasions for many years.

Carolyn served on the board, as secretary of the St. James Homes Housing and in the Sharing and Caring Ministry. Because of her continued and dedicated service on the board of St. James Homes, the Asburry Brown Apartments honored her by dedicating a unit in her name.

When she could no longer drive, she attempted her hand at nurturing plants, but soon decided to give that up and continued her outreach ministry by reaching out to others (near and far) via greeting cards, calls and prayers.

Carolyn is preceded in death by her parents Rev. Isadore and Lovie Iola Goins Tarpley, two brothers: Harold Tarpley (Mozelle)and John Tarpley (Doris), both of Rockville, MD., a sister Melrose T. Garner(Joseph) of Greensboro, NC., and a nephew, Anthony Garner of Trinity, NC.

She leaves to cherish her memory several nieces and a nephew; Joyce Tarpley, Rockville, MD., Dr. Cynthia McGill (Bishop Reginald McGill, deceased) Ft. Lauderdale, FL., Miranda Garner (Anthony) Trinity, NC., Jewell Rowell (Robbin)Midland, GA., April Sharpe (Zeb) Trinity, NC., Harold Tarpley, Jr. Winchester, W.VA, Vanita Bailey(Tony) Graham, NC., and Melony Belfiore (Eric) Olney, MD.

An adopted niece, Harriett Williams (Norman)Greensboro, NC., Godson, Christopher Williams, Greensboro, NC., a lifelong friend Phyllis Martin, Greensboro, NC., special cousins; Phyllis Jeffries and Christopher Herbin (Genevieve), both of Greensboro, NC. and a host of great nieces and nephews, great-great nieces and nephews, and a great-great-great nephew.

Those who wish to honor Carolyn's memory are asked to make donations to a food plan on the GCS website (school of your choice for the summer backpack or to a student's school lunch account)

A very special "Thank You" is extended to her great-niece and primary care provider, Lovie Zebrea Sharpe , and to many who extended their love, patience, and kindness to our Aunt Carolyn.

The family would like to also thank Hargett Funeral Home, Lakeview Memorial Park, the staff of Maple Grove Rehabilitation Center, and Moore's Enterprise

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, May 18 at 11:00 am at Lakeview Memorial Park Chapel. A repass will be held at Lovie Zebrea Sharpe home, 3 Fountain Manor Unit F Greensboro, NC 27405