Carolyn (McDuffie) Talbott

Carolyn McDuffie Talbott, age 89, of Sanford, NC, passed away Thursday, May 14, 2026 at her home, surrounded by her family.

She was born in Yancey County, on May 23, 1936 to the late Daniel Lucian McDuffie, Sr. and Ava Lorenda Ellington McDuffie.  In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Jack Ray Talbott; son Jack Gregory “Greg” Talbott; son-in-law John Edward “Eddie” Gunter and siblings Mary Helen McDuffie Pyrant, James “Harold” McDuffie, Daniel Lucian “Junior” McDuffie, Jr., Pauline McDuffie Holt, Geraldine McDuffie Harrison and William Malloy “Billy” McDuffie.

Carolyn graduated from Kings Business College in Raleigh and raised her family in the Deep River Community of Sanford, NC.  She owned and operated Carolyn’s Nursery for 15 years, helping to nurture and raise a multitude of children in our community.  Carolyn was a talented and fastidious weaver, crochetier and seamstress.  She made beautiful blankets and clothing for her family and friends.  Carolyn was a long-time member of Zion Christian Church and was a loving Christian woman who loved her Lord & Savior and reading her Bible. 

She is survived by her children Terri Talbott Gunter, Susan Talbott Hamilton, Tim Talbott (Christy); nine grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

The family will receive friends Monday, May 18, 2026 from 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm in the fellowship hall of Zion Christian Church with the funeral service following at 4:00 PM with Pastor Ward Haas and Pastor Steve Johnson officiating.  Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Zion Christian Church, 23 Zion Church Road, Sanford, NC 27330.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Carolyn (McDuffie) Talbott, please visit our floral store.