Carolyn Virginia Taylor Atherton

Carolyn Virginia Taylor Atherton, 76, of Gates, NC, passed away peacefully on Monday, January 19, 2026.

A native of Gates County, NC, Carolyn was the daughter of Oscar Leslie Taylor and Wessie Virginia Harrell Taylor, both deceased.

Survivors include her five nieces and nephews: Jody Brinkley; Ronald Taylor; Jeremy Taylor and wife, Amy; Rose Taylor Lee and husband, Bruce; and Jeff Taylor and wife, Lisa; several great-nieces and great-nephews; and special caregivers, Sue Rountree, Liz Ferguson, Michelle Cross, Sharon Patrick, and Tricia Cross. She also leaves behind her cherished companion, her cat, Tigger.

In addition to her parents, Carolyn was preceded in death by her two brothers, Ron Taylor and Mike Taylor.

Carolyn was a graduate of Gates County High School. She went on to become a registered nurse, graduating from Metropolitan State College of Denver. Carolyn worked as a nurse with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs until her retirement. During her nursing career, she became a nurse manager and mentored many nurses. She was proud to be a nurse and advocated for and empowered the nurses she worked with.

While living in Colorado, Carolyn developed an appreciation for the outdoors, especially fishing. She also loved working in her yard and became quite an accomplished cook.

A memorial service celebrating Carolyn’s life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at Beulah Baptist Church in Sunbury, NC, with Rev. Greg Jernigan officiating. The family will greet friends in the fellowship hall immediately following the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Gates Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 325, Gates, NC 27937, or Beulah Baptist Church, P.O. Box 101, Sunbury, NC 27979.

Miller & Van Essendelft Funeral Home, 304 Main Street, Gatesville, NC is assisting the family with arrangements and online condolences may be made by visiting www.millerfhc.com