Carolyn Mullis Chipman

 Carolyn Mullis Chipman, 74, of Sanford, NC passed away at her home on November 19, 2025, with her devoted husband, Robert, and daughter, Pepper, by her side. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. Her kind heart and generous spirit touched everyone she met.

Carolyn was born on August 24, 1951, in Sanford, NC to the late Virginia D. and Palmer G. Pattishall. She was a 1969 graduate of Sanford Central High School and then studied at Francis Marion College in Florence, SC where she lived from 1971 to 1990. Throughout her career, she worked as a freelance court reporter.

She began art classes in early 2006 as a stress reliever following successful treatment for breast cancer and studied with numerous instructors in classes and workshops throughout the southeast. Her work was recognized in numerous exhibitions in NC and was juried into the 2013 Fine Arts League of Cary’s annual show. Her passion was not just to paint a picture but to tell a story, whether it was her story or the one that came to mind while looking at her art. Her desire was that others felt her art as well, that her art would tug at their hearts until they had to smile and then passed that smile on to others. Her works of art will be cherished by those who knew and loved her.

Carolyn was a Past President of the Sanford Brush & Palette Club, long-time Patrons Chairperson for the Club's annual show, and she also served on the Board of Directors. In addition, Carolyn was selected as the Club's Artist of the Year for 2020-2021. She also served on the Executive Board of the Lee County Arts Council. 

She is survived by her husband of 32 years, Robert A. Chipman of Sanford; daughter Virginia “Pepper” Yopp (David) and beloved grandson, David Yopp Jr. of Beaufort and Raleigh. She is also survived by brother Larry Davis (Cheryl) of Sunset Beach; sisters Linda Hollar (Howard) of Cary and Cathy Oldham (Herbie) of Sanford; former sister-in-law Diane Davis of Sanford and several nieces and nephews, including special niece Tricia Spencer. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in in death by her sister, Teresa Spencer.

A celebration of life will be held at 3:00 pm at Jonesboro Presbyterian Church in Sanford on Sunday, November 23. The family will receive friends in the church fellowship hall following the service.

Words cannot express how grateful the family is for Carolyn’s compassionate caregivers and First Health Hospice.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to First Health Hospice Foundation, 150 Applecross Road, Pinehurst, NC 28374. 

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