Heaven gained an angel on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, as Dorothy Maynard Carawan of Rose Hill was called home to be with Jesus, walking on the streets of gold and free from pain and suffering.

Born September 18, 1939, in Harrells, North Carolina, Dorothy was the daughter of the late Bryan and Louise Turlington Maynard. She was preceded in death by her sister, Judy Arnett; her brother, Charles Maynard; and brothers-in-law Terry Wells and Wayne Arnett.

Surviving to cherish her memory are her beloved husband of 65 years, Kirk D Carawan; her daughters, Melanie Carawan (Job Dieleman) of Summerville, South Carolina; Monica Carawan of Wilmington, and Midge Ricks (Ted) of Wilmington; her cherished granddaughters, Grace and Sophie Ricks, both of Raleigh; her sisters, Patricia Prather of Cary and Gail Wells of Wilmington; her sister-in-law, Gloria Maynard of Harrells; and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

Dorothy was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. She found joy in life's simplest blessings, but her greatest joy was family. Dorothy filled her home with love and welcomed all who entered. Dorothy was a graduate of Meredith College and began her career as a high school teacher in mathematics. Dorothy had a passion for teaching her students and preparing them for graduation. Dorothy was a devoted member of Rose Hill Baptist Church, where she sang in the choir and taught Sunday School. Her faith guided her life and was evident in the love and kindness she shared with everyone she met. Dorothy loved being Mema and spending time with her granddaughters.  After retiring in 2003, she devoted time to church activities and treasured trips with her daughters and sisters, creating memories that will forever be cherished. Dorothy loved flowers and enjoyed spending time in her yard gardening with Kirk and playing with their beloved Calico cat, Cali.

Though her family and friends grieve her loss, they rejoice knowing Dorothy is reunited with loved ones and lives in the promise of eternal life.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 22, 2026, at Siloam Baptist Church, 833 Tomahawk Highway, Harrells, North Carolina. Burial will follow at Maynard Family Cemetery at the home-place at 460 Belvin Maynard Road, Harrells, North Carolina.

The family will receive friends from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home, 612 South Norwood Street, Wallace, North Carolina.

Memorial gifts may be made to Siloam Baptist Church, PO Box 110, Harrells, NC 28444 or to Dementia Alliance of North Carolina, 9131 Anson Way, Suite 206, Raleigh, NC 27615, or online at dementianc.org.

Arrangements are entrusted to Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home of Wallace, North Carolina.