Carolyn Frances (Wilson) Overton Lynch

Carolyn Overton Lynch, lovingly known as “YaYa,” passed away peacefully on May 9, 2026, at the age of 80. Carolyn lived a life marked by deep devotion to family, genuine friendships, and a joyful spirit that embraced every moment.

A proud Raleigh native, Carolyn graduated from Needham B. Broughton High School in the Class of 1963. She went on to attend Greensboro College and later earned her Home Economics degree from Meredith College in 1967. 

Carolyn never met a stranger. She loved being surrounded by family and friends and was happiest when opening her home for dinner parties, tea parties, and celebrations of every kind. She treasured time together, loved to travel, and found joy in life’s simple moments. Known for always having a camera nearby, she faithfully documented every gathering, every milestone, and even meals mid-bite — preserving memories that her family will cherish forever.

Carolyn lived her faith daily through kindness, hospitality, and service to others. She was an active member of Hayes Barton Baptist Church and treasured her friendships in the Koinonia Sunday School class. YaYa would often burst into a preschool song from her days as a teacher at Millbrook Baptist Kindergarten.  She later built a successful career as a Realtor with Coldwell Banker Howard Perry and Walston, where she faithfully served clients and the Raleigh community for more than 30 years. Her love of hospitality overflowed through her role as a founding member of the Victorian Tea Society. 

She will forever be remembered as our deceptively strong flamingo.  In September of 2021, Carolyn suffered a stroke that limited her mobility but not her mind.  While she transitioned from her  Springmoor apartment to the Healthcare Center, she remained on the go and never missed a beat thanks to the wonderful activites staff.  Whether it was a trip off campus to the State Fair, Bingo Mondays or at sing-a-longs, she would always participate with a smile.   We would also like to thank Dr. Howard Newell, the numerous nurses and aides who cared for her these past five and a half years.  

She was preceded in death by her loving husbands, Dick Overton in 1981 and Tom Lynch in 2024, as well as her beloved son-in-law, Andy Moore in 2017

Carolyn is survived by her devoted daughters, Debbie Wade (Jay) and Kimberly Moore Saunders (Reid); her pride and joy grandchildren, Caden Moore (Kelsie), Alli Thomas (Landon), and Nathan Saunders;  her stepdaughters, Tracey Coleman, Cheryl Wessel, and Kim Cone; her loving sister Brenda Abernethy (Dan) and many beloved cousins, nieces and nephews. 

A visitation will be held Friday, May 15, 2026, at 10:30 a.m., followed by a funeral service at 12:00 p.m. at Southbridge Fellowship, 12621 Strickland Road, Raleigh, NC. Burial will follow at Montlawn Memorial Park in Raleigh.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial donations may be made to Never Alone Widows at neveralonewidows.com