Carolyn Dianne Brandon Venable was born on October 21, 1954, to the late Robert Lee Brandon, Sr. and the late Creola Brandon Harris. She was a lifelong resident of Martinsville and a proud 1973 graduate of Martinsville Senior High School.

Carolyn devoted 15 years of service to Tultex, Inc., where she worked faithfully until suffering a stroke in May of 1988. Though her life thereafter presented many challenges, Carolyn met each one with strength, resilience, and unwavering faith.

She was united in holy matrimony to the late Marvin L. Venable, Sr. for 46 years. From this union, three children were born: Troy M. Brandon, Sr. (Phnesisa), Mantilo L. Venable (Danielle), and Michael L. Venable (Amber). In addition to her biological children, Carolyn lovingly embraced and raised five bonus sons: the late Maurice L. Venable (Kaye), Anthony Teel, Sr., Marvin L. Venable, Jr. (Felicia), Melvin L. Venable (Jina), and Marco L. Venable; and one bonus daughter, Chanita Flowers. Caregiver Ny’Sheria Aiken.

Carolyn was a devoted and faithful member of Mount Zion African Methodist Episcopal Church, where she was a member her entire life, and served diligently. Her many acts of service included the Senior Usher Board, 2nd Sunday Greeter, RT Anderson Gospel Choir, Steward Board, Marion G. Anderson Missionary Society, Sunday School, YPD Director, Willing Workers Auxiliary, and was a proud supporter of the Youth Unity Choir. Her love for the church and its people was evident in every role she served.

Though her life was marked by both triumphs and trials, Carolyn often said that the good outweighed the bad. She will be remembered as a true survivor—a woman who never gave up. She leaves behind memories of her warm smile, her unconditional love, and her famous fried pork chops that brought family and friends together.

Carolyn is survived by her sisters: Patricia Brandon-Inabinette Glenda McClenden, Margaret Brandon Fountain (Vince), and Debra Brandon Harris; and her brother, Robert L. Brandon, Jr. (Arnita). She also leaves behind a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, church family, and friends who loved her dearly.

In addition to her parents and husband, Carolyn was preceded in death by her sister, Shirley Pritchett; brothers, Richard L. Harris and Edward L. Harris, Jr.; stepfather, Rev. Edward L. Harris, Sr.; Grandson Evan Venable, niece, Delphine Magee; nephews, Corey M. Brandon, Sr. and Nyjeon Brandon.

Carolyn’s legacy of faith, perseverance, and love will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

A family visitation will be held on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at 2:30 p.m. until the time of the funeral service at 3:00 p.m. at Reach Out Apostolic Church, 225 Brenda Dr, Axton, VA 24054. Reverend Douglas Bynum as the Eulogist. The burial will follow at Carver Memorial Gardens, 869 Parkway Drive, Martinsville, VA 24112.

A public viewing will be held on Friday, February 20, 2026, from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m. The family will receive friends at the residence, 1420 Cardinal Lane, Martinsville, VA at all other times. Live streaming of the funeral service will be available at Hairston Funeral Home live via Facebook.

Courteous, efficient and dependable services provided by Hairston Funeral Home.