Carolyn Martin King passed away peacefully at Walker County Hospital in Jasper, Alabama, on November 13, 2026, at the age of 83. Born on January 11, 1943, in Kinston, Alabama, Carolyn was the beloved daughter of the late Paul and Mallie Martin.
A brilliant mind from an early age, Carolyn graduated as Valedictorian of the 1960 class of Kinston High School and later from Troy University, where she achieved a degree in Accounting Information Systems, subsequently earning her CPA. Her dedication to education and self-improvement was an inspiration to everyone around her.
Carolyn devoted three decades of her life to serving as a civil
service employee with the US Department of the Army in Aircraft
Logistics Management at Fort Rucker, Alabama. Her commitment to her work continued as she later joined the US Department of Defense as a contract auditor. Even after her second retirement, Carolyn’s entrepreneurial spirit shone brightly as she established her own business, assisting companies in navigating the complexities of federal contracts.
Beyond her professional achievements, Carolyn was a cherished member of her community. She was an active participant at Kinston First Baptist Church and later at Church on the Circle in Enterprise,
Alabama. Her faith and fellowship were central to her life, providing
her with joy and purpose.
Carolyn’s adventurous spirit was evident in her love for travel and
she was able to spend time after retirement touring the country in a
motor home and traveling to interesting destinations with dear
friends. When she wasn’t traveling her greatest joy was working in her yards where her green thumb was quite evident.
Carolyn was always striving to ensure the well-being of her loved
ones. Her greatest joy was her daughters, and she considered their
successes, and those of their families, her most enduring legacy. Her life was a testament to the value of education, love, self-reliance, and the importance of family, which she instilled in her daughters and grandchildren. Carolyn will be remembered for her keen intelligence, quick wit, boundless generosity, and fierce independence.
Carolyn is survived by daughters Donna King of Cordova and Sonya Shaw (John) of Kinston; four treasured grandchildren: Erin Tuls (TJ) of Elkhorn, Nebraska, and Emma, Devan, and Finleigh Johnson of Cordova, along with two great-grandchildren, Zane Tuls and Cordella Johnson. Carolyn is also survived by her sisters Myra Martin Mullins and Gladys Martin of Kinston, and brother Gerald Martin of Somerset, Pennsylvania.
She was preceded in death by her parents and sisters Gloria and Gail Martin.
Carolyn’s family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the
staff at Lakewood Senior Living in Jasper, where Carolyn spent her
final year surrounded by compassionate care and loving friends. Her daughters, Donna and Sonya, are especially thankful for the kindness and dedication shown to their mother during her time there.
In honor of Carolyn’s generous spirit, her daughters ask that in lieu
of flowers those who wish to do so make a donation in her name to
Operation Christmas Child, the Wounded Warrior Project, or a charity of their choice. A private ceremony will be held, respecting
Carolyn’s wishes for an intimate farewell.
