Carolyn Thomas Emery

Carolyn Thomas Emery, 80, passed away quietly to be with her Lord on February 24, 2016. She was born in Trenton, NJ on May 22, 1935 as the second daughter of Elizabeth and Francis Thomas. Mrs. Emery received a BA from Duke University in 1957 and graduated Phi Beta Kappa. She embarked on a long career in education and taught in both secondary and elementary schools in Pennsylvania and North Carolina. She was a gifted teacher, winning a number of awards, and retired from the Burke County School system in 1997.

It was during her teaching career, while still in Pennsylvania, that she met Denton Kinzer Emery. The two were married in 1959 and spent 57 wonderful years together. Together they had 3 children, 3 grandchildren, and 1 great grandchild. Carolyn is survived by her husband Denton, children Mark Emery and James Emery, sisters Elizabeth Roos and Helen Brantley, grandchildren Jacob Standafer, Connor Emery and Alex Emery, and great grandchild Hudson Standafer. She was preceded in death by her parents and son, David Emery.

Mrs. Emery was a lifelong servant of Jesus Christ and was an active member for many years at First Presbyterian Church of Morganton, NC. She sang regularly in the choir and loved the music ministry. Among her other interests were a passion for reading, children, Duke basketball, and especially travel with her husband.

The memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, March 5, 2016 at First Presbyterian Church with the Rev. Michael Bailey officiating.  The family will greet friends in the church fellowship hall following the service.

The family is grateful for your prayers and requests in lieu of flowers, memorial may be sent to First Presbyterian Church, 100 Silver Creek Road, Morganton, NC 28655 or Grace Ridge Retirement Community, 500 Lenoir Road, Morganton, NC 28655.

Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.

The family would like to thank the congregation and pastors of First Presbyterian Church and the residents and staff of Grace Ridge for their loving prayers and support over the years. The family would also like to thank the caregivers of the Skilled Nursing Unit at Grace Ridge for their care of Carolyn.