October 25, 2025, 80, Goldsboro —
Mary Carolyn Britt Zipf, age 80, of Wilson, North Carolina, passed away peacefully, with her adoring family at her side on Saturday evening, October 25, 2025, at the Wilson House in Wilson.
A graveside service will be held on Saturday, November 1, at 11:00 AM at Pine Forest Methodist Church Cemetery in the Rosewood community, with Pastor “Scooter” Murphy and Reverend Mike Carswell officiating. The family will receive friends immediately following the service at the cemetery. It is the request of Carolyn’s family, for those attending her service, please wear bright and vibrant colors as we celebrate her beautiful life.
Born in Wayne County on June 13, 1945, Carolyn was the daughter of the late Charles Brantley Britt and Mildred Tripp. Her professional life was one of service and creativity. She worked for United States Department of Agriculture in Washington D.C. and was working there when President John F. Kennedy died. Following that she was a operator for Southern Bell Telephone Company, a job she really enjoyed. Served as secretary for First Presbyterian Church in Smithfield. She was a dedicated Registrar who worked for many years at Johnston Memorial Hospital. She also followed her entrepreneurial spirit, owning and operating Carolyn’s Flowers and gifts in Smithfield. Also serving her community by driving a bus for Wilson Mills Elementary School. The job she enjoyed most was being a homemaker, staying home raising her family.
Carolyn was a woman defined by her deep faith, her family, and her vibrant spirit. She was a devoted member of Vision Church in Kenly, North Carolina, where she found joy and community. She loved spending time with her family and was famous for her legendary pound cake, a centerpiece of every gathering. She had a profound appreciation for classical music, and her love for laughter, smiles, and having a good time made her presence a gift to all who knew her. It her final days, Carolyn expressed she was ready to go home to be with her Lord and Savior, a comfort to those she leaves behind.
In addition to her parents, Carolyn was predeceased by her husband Donald Zipf, Sr., Son Donald Zipf, Jr. beloved sisters, Barbara Britt Tyson and Betty Lou Britt.
She is survived by her loving daughters, Andrea Harper and her husband, Chris, and Suzanne Gomez and her husband, Joel; her four cherished grandchildren, Ruben Santiago, Levi Harper, Emma Harper and John Luke Harper; four special nieces and nephews, Trish, Scott, Chuck and Kris; and a host of extended family and friends.
Shumate-Faulk Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to be serving the Zipf family and online condolences may be sent via www.shumate-faulk.com.
