Carol Ann Gardner Mullenax, age 81, of Durbin, departed this life Monday, August 3, 2026, after a hard fought battle with dementia.
Born on March 31, 1945, at Clover Lick, she was a daughter of the late Pauline “Polly” Buzzard Gardner and William C. Gardner.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a brother, Rodney (Linda).
She is survived by brothers, Lee (Margaret) and Fredric (Cynthia).
Carol Ann attended the grade schools at Clover Lick and graduated from Green Bank High School – Class of 1963.
In May of 1963, Carol Ann and Howard Newton Mullenax were married and resided in Durbin with their children, Jon (Joyce) and Amber (Danny).
During this time Carol Ann worked as a waitress at the Hermitage in Bartow, where she made friendships she cherished for life.
Having grown up on a farm, she brought her love and knowledge of farming and gardening with her when she and her family moved to “the farm, “where she enjoyed many years of haymaking, lambing seasons and cooking favorite family recipes. Also, during this time, Carol Ann became known as “Nanny” to her cherished grandchildren, Trista (Richie), Dustin (Krissy), Shawnna (Stefan) and Shasta (Lewis).
Nanny enjoyed the time she spent with each of them, sharing family history, recipes and, or course, cooking their favorite meals and cakes.
In 1996, Carol Ann and Howard left their beloved home in West Virginia, following the closing of Howe’s Leather and moved to Liberty, North Carolina, on what was once a small dairy farm. There, she continued her passion for gardening and flowers and rocks, all of which she made many trips back to West Virginia to bring “home,” where they radiated in her beautiful gardens.
Carol Ann’s strong work ethic was an important part of her life. During the 25 years spent in North Carolina, she was employed by Worcester Controls and Lincoln Financial of Greensboro, retiring in her early 70s. She forged many deep and meaningful friendships throughout those years that left a lasting impression on her and created memories that she would treasure forever.
She and Howard were members of Sandy Creek Baptist Church, where she shared her love of crocheting with others by creating a prayer shawl ministry that blessed those in need. Her church family was an important part of her life and her strong Christian faith and love for the Lord was unwavering.
In 2021, Carol Ann came home to West Virginia, a place, in her opinion, she never truly left, and where she once again began planting flowers and creating memories. She spent her days enjoying the view of mountains, watching the birds and wildlife and always welcoming the visits from her cherished great-grandchildren: Kinlee, Kambrie, Kimber, Soren, Ellery and Aleena, and looked forward to the arrival of baby Creed in September. Their laughter filled her home with warmth, and she was always delighted to have the cookie jar ready for them.
Carol Ann’s family history was always a point of pride to her. While many of those she treasured have gone on, a multitude of family and friends will continue to love and cherish her memory.
Carol Ann Gardner Mullenax will be remembered for her unwavering dedication to her family, her friends and the simple joys of life. Her family takes comfort in knowing that her spirit lives on in the laughter of her great-grandchildren and the stories she shared with them. Her life, filled with love, hard work, and a connection to her roots, serves as an inspiration to all who were blessed to know her.
Per her request, the body will be cremated. A graveside service will be held in the near future.
Wallace and Wallace Funeral Home in Arbovale is in charge of arrangements.
Online condolences may be shared at WallaceandWallaceFH.com
