Ms. Carolyn Devon Kearse Collier, 71, entered peacefully into her eternal home on Wednesday, March 20, 2024, at Hospice Home of the Piedmont. She was born on March 16, 1953, in High Point, NC to the late Charles Edward Kearse and Ila Mae Kearse. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her adopted parents, and her brother, Walter Lee Kearse.

"Bun, as her siblings affectionately called her, was the eldest of nine siblings. She received her schooling from the High Point City Schools System. In 1971, she graduated from T. Wingate Andrews High School. Carolyn continued her education at North Carolina A&T State University, earning a bachelor's degree in 1975. She was employed with the City of High Point Customer Service Department and planned to retire on March 31, 2024, after 47 years of dedicated service.

Carolyn's spiritual journey began at a young age when she joined St. Stephen Metropolitan AME Zion Church. She actively participated in the church choir and usher board and served as a missionary and class leader.

Hazel Milton Stowe and Jaymeszena Stowe adopted Carolyn. They adored her, and she was their pride and joy.

Carolyn, a passionate and loving mother, enjoyed spending quality time with her daughter shopping together. She was an avid gardener, and her flower garden was her pride and joy. Carolyn nurtured and cared for all kinds of flowers and watching them grow and bloom gave her immense pleasure. In addition to gardening, Carolyn was also actively involved in her community. She would visit various schools and spend time reading with the students; her dedication towards the younger generation was truly inspiring. In her leisure time, she found relaxation in watching different shows on television. Carolyn's life was filled with joy and purpose, and she always made time for the things she loved.

Those left to cherish her memories are her daughter, Kiana Collier of the home; two brothers, Charles Kearse of Greensboro, NC and Stanley Kearse of Winston-Salem, NC; five sisters, Shelia Williams, Valorie Kearse, Thomasine (Clayton) Williams, and Watina (Vernon) Wilson of High Point, NC, and Bonita (William) Winstead of Winston- Salem, NC; aunts, uncles and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

Funeral service will be held Friday, March 29, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. at St. Stephen Metropolitan AME Zion Church. Interment will follow at Carolina Biblical Gardens. The family will receive friends at the church from 12:00 p.m. until 1:00 p.m.

Final arrangements are entrusted to Phillips Funeral Service, Inc.

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