Carolyn Harkrider

1937 - 2025

Carolyn Harkrider
07/20/1937 - 12/15/2025
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Carolyn Carte Harkrider, who died peacefully on Monday, December 15, 2025, at the age of 88, surrounded and loved by her three children.
Carolyn was born July 20th, 1937, to Helen and Robert Carte in Charleston, West Virginia. She attended Mary Washington College in Fredericksburg, Virginia, where she majored in Nutrition. While there, she met James Hugh Harkrider Jr., while he was stationed at Quantico, VA with the U.S. Marine Corps. They were married soon after on June 27th, 1959. Hugh and Carolyn had three children and the family settled in Midland in 1976. She taught elementary school in Greenwood until her retirement in 1998 after the birth of her first grandchild. After retirement, she enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and was always up for a sleepover at Nana's house. Carolyn enjoyed traveling, reading, and volunteering at the Midland Soup Kitchen and Meals on Wheels. She attended and served at Christ Church Anglican. She was an avid football fan until the very end.
Carolyn was a loving mother and wife and took great pride in running a well-organized and tidy household. Crisply folded laundry, a well-made bed, and a hot dinner on the table every night were her ways of showing devotion to her family. She was a selfless person who most notably donated a kidney to her husband in May 2000. She was fiercely independent, strong-willed, and her mind was sharp until she passed.
Carolyn was preceded in death by her husband of 49 years, James Hugh Harkrider, Jr, who died in 2006. She is survived by her three children, James Harkrider III (Alexandra), Robert Harkrider (Ashley), and Anne Warren (Stirling), along with seven grandchildren; Megan Seyvani (Arian), Ellen Warren, Molly Warren, Marshall Harkrider, Travis Harkrider, Avery Harkrider, and Keanna Gates-Harkrider.
A private service will be held for the family at a later date. In place of flowers, please send donations to Senior Life Midland or Christ Church.
Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences may be made at www.npwelch.com.