Carolyn Kinley Turner

July 24, 1942 — April 16, 2024

Gastonia, NC

“She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future. When she speaks, her words are wise, and she gives instructions with kindness. She carefully watches everything in her household and suffers nothing from laziness. Her children stand and bless her. Her husband praises her: “There are many virtuous and capable women in the world, but you surpass them all.” NLT Proverbs 31:26-29

Carolyn Kinley Turner, 81, passed away peacefully to be with the Lord surrounded by her adoring family at Carolina Caring Sherrills Ford Hospice House on April 16, 2024.

Carolyn is preceded in death by her loving husband of more than 38 years, Kenneth Turner and their son, Brian Turner.  She is survived by her daughter, Rhonda Crawford; son-in-law, Jim Crawford; and grand-daughter, Tory Floyd and her husband, Colton Floyd (Charlotte).

Carolyn was born in Gastonia, North Carolina, a daughter of the late Frank and Hilda Kinley and is survived by siblings, Mary Drum and her husband Doug Drum (Gastonia), Pat Smith (Shelby) and Jimmy Kinley (Beulaville) and his wife Debbie Kinley and numerous beloved nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her sister, Sharon Bean (Bessemer City) and her husband Lester Bean. She is also survived by her beloved caregiver for over 6 years, Carol Wells (Gastonia).

Carolyn lived her life in service to others deeply rooted in her Christian faith. She spent her career working for over 30 years for the Gaston County Department of Social Services. Always caring and compassionate, she spent her time supporting many charitable causes. Meals on Wheels-Gaston County delivering meals was a favorite.  She was Gaston County’s Ambassador to the North Carolina Senior Games and involved in activities through the Gaston County Senior Center. She was trained in adult literacy and life skills counseling and looked to as a mentor and coach to countless people. She was a member of Love Memorial Baptist Church all of her adult life. She taught Sunday School and could always be counted on to step up and do what was needed in the church such as leading the bereavement committee, kitchen committee and a widow’s luncheon group, to name a few.
Her family meant everything to her and she supported her family in every way possible through good times as well as illness and grief. An excellent cook who never let you leave her house hungry. She is known as Nana to her pride and joy and granddaughter Tory Floyd but also an adoptive grandmother to many other friends and extended family members.

The visitation with the family will be held on Monday, April 22, 2024 from 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. at Love Memorial Baptist Church, 311 East Walnut Avenue, Gastonia, North Carolina with the funeral immediately following at 1:00 p.m. The graveside service will be held at Gaston Memorial Park, 1200 South New Hope Road, Gastonia, North Carolina immediately following the funeral.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you donate to Love Memorial Baptist Church, 311 East Walnut Avenue, Gastonia, North Carolina 28054, Carolina Caring Hospice, 3975 Robinson Road, Newton, NC 28658, or to the charity of your choice in her name.