Mrs. Eva Carolyn Speaks, 79, peacefully boarded that train bound for glory at Gordon Hospice in Statesville, N.C., on June 28, 2024, surrounded by her family and friends. She is the daughter of the late Harry Lee and Hattie Mae Dobson. She was born August 27, 1944, in Dobson, N.C.

She graduated from Yadkin High School in Booneville, N.C. Carolyn was a faithful and devoted member of Friendship Baptist Church and served as a Deaconess, Sunday School teacher, Usher, Sunday School Secretary, BTU member, and on the kitchen committee. She loved her church and affectionately called Reverend Griffin “Pastor Happy Feet.”

Carolyn was united in marriage to Henry Speaks of Harmony, N.C., who survives.

She leaves to cherish the memory of her life, in addition to her devoted husband, one child, Elaina Marie Speaks Smyre, and her husband Samuel Smyre of Charlotte, N.C.; one grandchild, Sierra Destiny Smyre, who was her absolute heart; and sister-in-law, Geneva Dalton.

Carolyn had many siblings. Those who preceded her in death are Brenda Dobson, Yvonne Dobson, Wade Dobson, Mack Dobson, Sam Dobson, and Ronnie Dobson. She was also preceded in death by two brothers-in-law and two sisters-in-law.

Surviving siblings are Hugh Dobson and wife Clara, Earlene Russell, Elaine Coulter and her husband Jim, Marie Gaither, James Dobson, and Eddie Redmond; and a host of nieces and nephews, cousins, and friends.

Visitation for Mrs. Speaks will be held on Friday, July 5, 2024, from 12 until 1 p.m. at Friendship Baptist Church. The funeral service will begin at 1 p.m. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

Bunch-Johnson Funeral Home is serving the family.