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 NyโSheria 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 survivorโa 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.
Carolynโs 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.
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Katrina Hairston( KoKo) sent Living Spirit Dishgarden for Carolyn Dianne Brandon Venable - February 20, 2026
Deepest sympathy to the. Family.
Sending my condolences during this time of loss.
Tony and family sending prayers and condolences
Prayers and Condolences to the Family.๐๐พ๐๐พ Natalie Wilson and Fern Harris.
I'm so sorry for the loss of your parent .May their memory bring you peace and comfort.
So sorry about the Loss of your loved one. Prayers for your family. Margaret and Glenda ; our prayers ๐ are with you two . Heartfelt sympathy. Love Karen Penn and kelsey Wade โค๏ธ
I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Carolyn. She was a very nice and humble lady. She fought a good fight ๐ She stood the test. Now she has a bright crown laid up for her. Take your much deserved rest!!!!! ๐God loves you and so do I. Family, be encouraged. She is in a better place. Be blessed ๐๐ฝ Norma Gravely
Sending prayers out to the entire family. Mrs. Carolyn was such a bright soul and I am Blessed to have known her. She was a Blessing to family and so many more that had the pleasure knowing her. May she rest in everlasting peace and may comfort come to the family and friends throughout this time of grievance. โฅ
Manty and the entire family,we extending our love and deepest sympathy. Carolyn was a joy to be around and her sweet spirit will be missed. Peter and Willie Mae Harris
Worked with Carolyn at tultex she was a very nice lady .praying for the family.
Troy and Family, Praying that God will strengthen your hearts daily. Will continue to pray for peace and comfort during your difficult times.
Carolyn and I were not only back in the day friends but also family from both sides, Venable and Brandon. Carolyn was always a soft spoken young lady with a huge heart filled with Love, Joy and plenty of Laughter. In spite of her illness, she always managed to hold on to that genuine smile and voice of Hope and Faith. My sincere condolences goes out to both families and everyone that her spirit captivated.
Condolences to the family been knowing Carolyn for a long time may you rest in peace
My heart goes out to the family. I've known Carolyn for a long time. She was a person.beautiful. She will be missed.๐ป๐๐ฝ๐๏ธ
Condolence to the Family.
Sending comfort and prayers during this difficult time of loss.
To my extended Family's words cannot express how much i Love โค๏ธ you guys, and my heart was broken to hear of the passing of Aunt Carolyn,she was such a sweet Lady and i will miss her, but i am honor to know i got to pray with the Family's thank you so much Mike , Gone to soon Love you see you in the morning .๐ข๐๐๐ฝ
Sorry for your loss, praying for the family
We're very sorry to hear of the homegoing of Carolyn, she was the sweetest person & classmate. She was a strong lady. She will be missed very much. You're in our prayers. God bless you all, Dana & Fibbie Hairston
Prayers lifted for the entire Venable and Brandon families. God will keep you in perfect peace.๐๐ฝโค๏ธ
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