Carolyn Lynn (Austin) Parker

August 30th , 1961 – February 15th , 2023

Funeral services will be held Sunday, February 19th at West & Dunn funeral home in Newton Grove, NC. Viewing to pay respects will be from 1:30 pm-3 pm followed by a graveside service at Hillcrest cemetery at 3:30 pm.

Carolyn Parker 61, of Newton Grove, NC passed away on February 15th, 2023 surrounded by her family and loved ones after battling a blood infection.

Father (Jerry Donald Austin) and mother (Marie Warren Austin) brought her into this world on Aug 30th, 1961, where she grew up with her 8 brothers (Don, William, Jay, Darryl, Dale, Danny, Ricky, and Tommy) where she helped raise her younger brother and helped out with the family.

On Aug 30th, 1981, she went on to marry Julius (Ray) Parker from Meadow, NC. Carolyn became a mother to her only child, Brandon Parker on March 2nd, 1993, who now lives in Raleigh, NC.

Although she only had one son, she was a mother and best friend to many. She was a daughter, sister, wife, mother, friend, caregiver, advocate, role model, hero and so much more.

Carolyn was the light of any room and everyone who knows her always knew when she walked in because you would hear her laugh from anywhere. She taught us how to love unconditionally and she had a way to bring out the best in people. One of the most important lessons she left behind was to find the light no matter how dark the situation. 

The choices we make when we are most vulnerable are what define us, and she never wavered in these moments. Words cannot begin to explain the type of person she was because Carolyn was one of the few people in this world who had the ability to be what you needed at that time.

Although she left us for now, it’s never goodbye, just see you later because she will now be watching over us and waiting to greet us with open arms.

We are grateful and blessed to have family and friends such as this. The family appreciates your thoughts and prayers during this time.

West & Dunn Funeral Home, Newton Grove, N.C. is honored to serve the Austin - Parker Family. 

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