Carolyn Horrell Mintz, 61, of Harrells left this earthly life for her eternal rest on Wednesday, October 16, 2019 from New Hanover Regional Medical Center.

She was born on July 24, 1958 in Sampson County; the daughter of the late Harvey Henry Horrell, Sr. and Lillie Grace Merritt Horrell.

Carolyn was a dedicated member of Wells Chapel Baptist Church where she once sang in the choir and served as church secretary. She dearly loved her church and her church family.

Surviving to cherish her memory is her best friend and devoted husband of 45 years, Ernest Mintz, Jr. of the home; her daughter, Michele Populus and husband, David of Burgaw; her grandson and apple of her eye, Gavin Populus;  sister, Barbara Lewis and husband, Earl of Burgaw; brother, Harvey Henry "Buck" Horrell, Jr. of Harrells; nephews, Wesley Lewis and his wife Casey and Andrew Lewis; Aunt Sharon Tatum and Uncle Charlie of Clarkton; her canine companion and pride and joy, "Holly" and numerous extended family and friends that loved Carolyn dearly.

Carolyn was a loving wife and caring mother, grandmother and sister.  She found great joy in the simplest of things, but her greatest joy was family.  Carolyn loved to write, and was a very talented writer.  She enjoyed writing columns for the Wallace Enterprise and later for the Sampson Weekly newspaper.  Her stories were very much enjoyed and often about the 'ways of the good ol days'.  Being an avid lover of genealogy and history, Carolyn's articles were not only interesting but also very informative.  She also enjoyed spending time and baking with her grandson, working in her beautiful yard and growing flowers. Among Carolyn's many talents, she had the knack for finding antiques.  She was very knowledgeable about the era they came from and all about them. Being a woman of uncommon character, beauty, grace and talents; Carolyn was also "an instrument of God's love on this earth."  Carolyn was a friend to all, a strong yet gentle presence who looked for and encouraged the best in everyone.  She was a shoulder upon whom many found comfort and support.  Carolyn will surely be missed but cherished memories of her will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

Funeral service will be held at 2:00pm on Friday, October 18, 2019 at Wells Chapel Baptist Church with her pastor, the Reverend Barry Wells and her uncle, the Reverend Charlie Tatum officiating.

Burial will follow the service in Wells Chapel Baptist Church Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 6:00pm to 8:00pm on Thursday evening at Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home in Wallace, NC.

In lieu of flowers, the family request that memorial gifts be sent to Harrells Volunteer Fire Dept., PO Box 95, Harrells, NC  28444.

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