With heavy hearts and profound gratitude for a life well-lived, we announce the peaceful passing of Carolyn Young Love on May 10, 2026. Born on March 18, 1953, in the charming town of Sylva, NC, Carolyn was a beacon of love, warmth, and resilience, whose presence will be dearly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Carolyn was the cherished daughter of the late Gene and Evelyn Austin and was predeceased by her beloved sisters Linda Mattress and Elizabeth McDonald, nephew Shawn McDonald, as well as her dear brother Tommy Austin. She is survived by her lifelong partner, Charles Love, who was her steadfast companion and confidant, sharing countless memories and adventures together.

Carolyn's legacy lives on through her sons, Michael Shannon Austin and his wife Lacey, Chris Forney and his wife Wendy, whose lives she enriched with her boundless love and wisdom. Her family also includes her stepdaughter, Jaretta Love; brother, Gene (Barbara) Austin; sister, Joyce Stratton; nephew, Decklin (Denise) Austin and nieces, Melynda Austin, Crystal (Donovan) Carver; and her treasured grandchildren, Kinley Austin, Kimberly (Gerald) Farmer, Kianna Clarke, Aniyah Clarke, Devontay Love Taylor, and Tayshawn Sullivan, who were the light of her life. Carolyn's nurturing spirit extended to her great-nieces, Breonna, Anna, Alexis, and Graceland Carver, Kelsey Austin and her special cousin, Sandra Jones, and Aunt Stacey Galloway, who held a unique place in her heart.

A proud graduate of the Sylva Webster High School class of 1971, Carolyn embarked on a journey of hard work and dedication, holding various roles across South Carolina and Atlanta before finding her professional home at TekTone in Franklin, NC, where she retired with pride. Her journey through life was guided by her deep faith; Carolyn was a devoted member of Liberty Baptist Church of Sylva, NC, and regularly attended Mount Harmony Baptist, where her family gathered in fellowship.

Carolyn's life was marked by her love for travel, culinary delights, and the joy of fine dining, but above all, she cherished her time with her grandchildren and great-nieces. Family was the cornerstone of her existence, and she found immense joy in their presence. She took pleasure in pampering herself with manicures and pedicures, always taking care to present herself with grace and poise.

A celebration of Carolyn's remarkable life will be held on May 16, 2026, at 1:00 PM at Life Spring Community Church, located at 432 Cheek Rd. Franklin NC. Friends and family are invited to share in a service that will honor her memory and the indelible impact she had on those around her.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Macon Funeral Home Memorial, a fitting tribute to a woman who gave so much to others during her lifetime.

Carolyn Young Love has peacefully entered her heavenly home, leaving behind a legacy of love, kindness, and enduring faith. Her spirit will continue to guide and comfort those she loved, and her memory will forever remain a source of inspiration and warmth.

Online condolences can be made at www.maconfuneralhome.com.

Macon Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.