Carolyn June Kongeal

May 26,1934 – January 6, 2025

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Carolyn June Kongeal, who entered into eternal rest on Monday, January 6th, 2025, following a car accident. Tragically, her beloved daughter, Connie Faye Kongeal, was also involved and passed away a few hours later. While we grieve the profound loss of our mother and sister, we take comfort in knowing they arrived in heaven together.

Carolyn was born on May 26, 1934, in Jacksonville, Florida, and led a life full of love, dedication, and faith. In 1951, she married the love of her life, Kenneth A. Kongeal, Sr., and together they celebrated 63 years of marriage before Kenneth’s passing in 2014.

Carolyn embraced her role as a traditional wife and homemaker with unparalleled joy and devotion. When societal shifts encouraged women to pursue work outside the home, Carolyn proudly chose to remain at home, dedicating herself to her husband and her greatest passion: motherhood. She often described her role as a mother as the crowning joy of her life, a sentiment evident in the love and care she poured into her family.

She leaves behind a legacy of love through her children, who affectionately remember her as a devoted and steadfast mother: Connie Kongeal (with her in heaven), Karen Brown, Cindy Ganas (Larry), Candy Shirley (Dr. Paul), and Kenneth Jr. ("Son"). She is also survived by one brother Ronald Nasworthy (Kathy).

Carolyn’s children often teased her about the time it took to get ready before leaving the house. But when she finally descended the stairs, she always left an impression with her sparkling angel-blue eyes, perfectly styled blond hair, artfully applied makeup, and the soft trace of her favorite perfume, Shalimar. Her outward beauty was undeniable, but her children knew it was her loving spirit that truly shone. Carolyn’s unconditional love extended even when they were not at their most lovable, a reflection of her remarkable grace and kindness.

Her joy only deepened as she welcomed her grandchildren: Cara Templeton, Matthew Templeton (Jessica), Kenneth Hinson, Stephen Joseph Turner, Carolyn Tucker (Evan), Heather Hatcher (Joe), Faith Tate (Alex), and Kayla Holsenbeck (Dustin). Blessed with 12 great-grandchildren of which one pre-ceded her in death, Carolyn relished her role as Grandma, dedicating herself to "spoiling them" as her most important job. Her grandchildren describe her as the heart of the family—a selfless, unwavering source of love, whether celebrating their milestones or comforting them in difficult times. Nothing brightened her day more than a visit from one of them.

Carolyn’s love extended into the details of life: staying up late to bake Thanksgiving fruit cakes, carrot cakes and pies with her signature homemade merengue topping, cheering on her family at every special event and honoring every birthday with a full-family celebration. Her grandchildren recall her as both tough and incredibly fun, leaving a legacy of cherished traditions and memories that will continue for generations to come.

Carolyn faced life’s storms with grace and courage, teaching her family to weather challenges with the same resilience. Her life is beautifully captured in the words of Proverbs 17:6: “Children’s children are a crown to the aged, and parents are the pride of their children.”

The family of Carolyn June Kongeal is proud to call her Mom, Grandma and Gigi. We can only imagine how beautiful she looked when presented with her crown and a new pair of signature spiked heels at the banquet in heaven welcoming her home.