Carolyn P. Krause, 89, died Thursday, August 7, 2025, at her home in Virginia Beach, Virginia. She was attended by family and devoted caregivers at the end of her decline due to Alzheimer’s disease.
Carolyn was born Mabel Carolyn Phillips on July 11, 1936, in Florence, Alabama. She was the second of three children, and only daughter, of Orlan C. and Mabel N. Phillips. Carolyn graduated from Florence State Teachers College (now the University of North Alabama) and began her career as a public school teacher. She taught in the Florida school districts of Apopka and Winter Park. While in Florida she met David R. Krause, a Naval Flight Officer, and they were married on November 23, 1963. As their family grew to include four daughters, Carolyn and David moved up and down the east coast as needed during David’s Navy service.
Carolyn was a loving mother and wife, and a quietly strong family leader. She raised her four daughters, one with special needs, and maintained the family home while David was frequently on deployment. Their last duty assignment was at Naval Air Station Oceana, where Carolyn and David put down roots, and David later retired from the Navy. They have been residents of Virginia Beach since 1979.
Carolyn loved to read. She decorated cakes and created hand-made centerpieces and decorations for family occasions. She delighted in hand-crafted art, and in finding the perfect gifts for her family and friends at craft shows and shops. She was a longtime member of TOPS 531 (Taking Off Pounds Sensibly). She found great joy in her grandchildren, and in supporting her daughters in raising them. She will be remembered for her sweet and caring spirit, which served to strengthen everyone she met.
Carolyn is survived by her devoted husband, David; her daughters, Kimberly Krause, Karen Coats (Joel), Courtney Kehoe (Mark), and Katrina Krause (Ken Kurzweil); and seven grandchildren, Taylor, David, Logan, Daniel, Jacob, Samuel, and Benjamin. She was preceded in death by her mother and father, and her brothers, Orlan Thomas Phillips and Olaf Julian Phillips.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday, August 26, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Gregory the Great Catholic Church, 5345 Virginia Beach Boulevard, Virginia Beach, Virginia 23462. Friends may visit with family from 10:30 to 11:00 a.m. in the church commons prior to the service.
Interment will be at Rosewood Memorial Park, 601 North Witchduck Road, Virginia Beach, Virginia 23462.
