Sunny View, NC- Carolyn Fortenberry Byers, 74, went to be with her Lord and Savior on June 6, 2026.

Carolyn was the daughter of the Late Earl and Ruby Laughter Fortenberry. She worked for Milliken Hatch Plant in Columbus for 30 plus years and later went to work for Rutherford County Transit where she retired. Carolyn was known for her sweet and loving demeanor, even in her last few days she showed kindness to everyone that cared for her. Her greatest pride and joy in life was her family, she was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and sister. She was an active member of the, Coopers Gap Baptist Church Family, where she was always willing and eager to serve.

In 2018, Carolyn was preceded in death by her husband of 48 years, Stephen Andrew Byers.

Surviving is her son, Wayne Byers (Regina) from Columbus, NC; her daughter, Melissa Humphreys (Bobby) of Inman, SC; grandchildren, Kelsey McEntire (Chris), Kristin Hubbs (Katie), Kaylee Solesbee (Austin), Shyann Cook (Elijah), Tyler Cook (Chyna), and Noah Cook; thirteen great grandchildren; one brother, Leland Fortenberry and one sister, Patricia Lawson. Also surviving are many nieces and nephews.

A funeral will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 11, 2026 at Coopers Gap Baptist Church in Mill Spring, NC officiated by Reverend Don Hollifield and Reverend Todd Lawter.

The family will receive friends at the church prior to the service from 1:00 to 1:45 p.m.

Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Coopers Gap Baptist Church Building Fund, 730 Coopers Gap Rd, Mill Spring, NC 28756 and Spartanburg Regional Hospice House, https://www.regionalfoundation.com/ways-give/online-giving/hospice