Linda Carolyn Manning Taylor

Linda Carolyn Manning Taylor, 82, went to be with the Lord on September 27, 2025. Carolyn was born on October 29, 1942, in Bethel, North Carolina, to Clywood Ashley Manning and Nadine Whitehurst Manning. She was a beloved daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and faithful Christian woman. She graduated from Bethel High School, where she was active in basketball, cheerleading, the Science Club, Future Homemakers of America, Glee Club, and was crowned Popularity Queen. In her early years she worked as the manager of Whitehurst Clothing Store in Bethel and later helped run a family vegetable stand on Highway 11 outside Greenville, where her warm smile welcomed neighbors and travelers alike.

Carolyn had a deep appreciation for the beautiful things in life — she loved clothes, jewelry, gardening, flowers, fishing, and flipping through the pages of Southern Living magazine. She especially enjoyed manicures and pedicures, always choosing baby blue nails. Most of all, she loved her family deeply and was happiest when surrounded by them or staying active and on the go.

Carolyn is preceded in death by her parents; her husband Jerry Taylor, Sr.;  her daughter Sharon Mills Gardner; her siblings Mavis Manning Nelson, Merle Manning  Andrews, Anna Manning Taylor, Ashley Jr.,  Kirk, R. D., and Bobby Gene Manning; grandson Jon Paul Nichols.

She is survived by her daughters, Virginia Dare (Gin) Nelson, Carol Brooks Mills Harrell; sons, John Gideon Taylor and Jerry Bernard Taylor. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Ashley Meeks, Emily Meeks, Brooks Shackelford (Amy), David Cole Radford, Frank Ray Kilpatrick, Latha Zackery Harrell, Jordan Caleb Harrell, Bip Tanner Moore, Dawson Taylor, Cameron Peed, Ally Peed, Brianna Joyner, and Corey Joyner, and great grandchildren: Mitch Grizzard (Zimara), Jonathan Isaiah Gorham, Isabella Nichols, and Journey Nichols; great great grandchild River Isaiah Gorham.

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In her later years, Carolyn lived with her youngest daughter Carol Brooks  who loved and cared for her deeply. She had a particularly special relationship with her grandson Zack. Whether working together in the flower shop, traveling, or sharing quiet moments, their bond was filled with love and laughter.

Carolyn loved Jesus with her whole heart. We are comforted knowing that when she entered Heaven, she was welcomed into His arms — reunited with all her loved ones. Her faith, strength, and love will continue to inspire all who knew her.

“We give our loved one back to God. Just as He first gave her to us. And as He did not lose her in the giving…we have not lost her in returning her to him…where life is eternal.”

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