Carolyn Welstead

Carolyn Welstead passed away peacefully on August 26, 2024, with Lew, her beloved husband of 63 years, and the adoring family they built together by her side. Always our biggest cheerleader, she blessed each of us with words of love, praise and thanks and we had the privilege of returning our own love and gratitude to her. She was 83 years young with a vibrant personality, a gorgeous smile, a fierce love for Jesus and her family, and an unshakeable belief in the power of prayer. She was beautiful.
Born on June 15,1941 to Carl and Alma Lee Salyers, Carolyn grew up in St Albans, West Virginia as the oldest of four children. She was a majorette for St. Albans High School and the 1959 Homecoming Queen. She met Lew while working at C&P Telephone Company in Charleston. He asked her on a double date to accompany his friend, but quickly realized she was the one for him. They began dating in January 1961 and were married on May 6th that same year. She continued to work for C&P until Melissa was born. Lee came along after Carolyn and Lew had moved to Rockville, MD. Before ending up in Great Falls, VA in 1979, the family also lived in Richmond where Carolyn enjoyed playing tennis and other activities such as working at Kings Dominion with friends. Once Melissa and Lee were older, she returned to the telephone company as a secretary in the NoVA medical office. She retired in 1997 and later enjoyed part-time work as a receptionist at McLean Pediatrics.
Carolyn and Lew actively engaged in the lives of family, friends, and their church community. They traveled widely, taking over 40 cruises and many other trips, including amazing annual adventures with their kids and grandkids. They were often found on the sidelines of soccer and football games, attending school and church programs, or meeting friends for a meal. We could always count on her support. Our victories were her victories, our challenges were hers too – she prayed over them all.
We, her closest family, will miss her greatly. She is survived by her husband, Lew Welstead; her daughter and son-in-law, Melissa and David Stoner, her son and daughter-in-law, Lee and Kelly Welstead; her grandchildren, Matt, Robert and Lydia Stoner and Carter (Lauren) and Samantha Welstead; her great-grandson, Colt Welstead; her sisters Jeannine Salyers and Cathy Moeller; her brother and sister-in-law Bill and Gail Welstead; and her nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her loving parents and her brother Michael Salyers. A Celebration of Life will be held at Providence Baptist Church at 8980 Brook Rd, McLean, VA on Saturday, September 7, 2024 at 11 A.M.
Because she received wonderful, caring treatment for her lung disease at NIH for many years, we ask that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to NIH's National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute Gift Fund | NHLBI, NIH.