Carol Lynn Walton

Carol’s education began at Pleasant Grove Elementary School in Lansing, Michigan, and continued at Dwight Rich Middle School and Everett High School, where she graduated with honors. She went on to take business administration classes at Lansing Community College and completed additional professional training in Microsoft Office, Windows, WordPerfect, Lotus, and FoxPro through Career Quest, Professional Technical Development, and Automation Resources Center.

Carol was a devoted mother to her beloved son, Darian Walton. Motherhood was one of the greatest blessings of her life, and the love she had for Darian will remain forever in his heart.

Carol’s dedication, intelligence, and determination shaped a meaningful career in public service. She began her career at Michigan State University in the Deferred Retirement Department, where she worked for two years before being (head hunted) and was selected to join the City of Lansing Human Relations Department as a Secretary II. She served in that role for seven years, then advanced to Administrative Assistant 09, a position she held for fifteen years. She later served as an Administrative Assistant 09 with the City of Lansing Police Department’s Investigations Division for four years.

Carol also served for many years as Chief Union Steward for the City of Lansing. She was known for her strong understanding of the law, her attention to detail, and her willingness to speak up when she believed something was unfair. Her education, experience, intelligence, and convictions made her a powerful advocate for justice.

After 26½ years of dedicated service to the City of Lansing, Carol earned her first retirement. Still, she was not finished serving or making a difference. She went on to work for the State of Michigan in the Michigan Department of Education, Office of Field Services, where she served as an Executive secretary 10 for eight years. Her career reflected her work ethic, determination, and commitment to building a life she was proud of.

Carol lived a life of service and dedication. She believed in hard work, fairness, and standing up for what was right, and she devoted much of her professional life to serving the Lansing community.

Carol was a woman of many talents. Beyond her professional accomplishments, she had a creative and entrepreneurial spirit. Her love of baking grew into something special for the Lansing community.

Carol founded C&D Sweet Treats, which became a beloved success throughout the Lansing area. Her baking was more than dessert—it was an expression of creativity, care, and love. Through C&D Sweet Treats, she shared her gifts with many and created something memorable in the community.

Her determination and entrepreneurial spirit reflected who she was: strong, capable, independent, creative, and never afraid to pursue what she believed in.

For Carol, family was everything, and some of life’s greatest treasures were found around the family table. She loved Sunday dinners, holidays, birthdays, celebrations, and simple gatherings held for no special reason at all—because being with family was enough. Those simple moments together created memories her loved ones will carry forever.

When the family gathered, there was often a game—or two, or three, or four. Carol loved Scrabble, and Yahtzee and anyone who knew her understood that she did not play just to participate—she played to win. Her competitive spirit brought laughter, playful debates, and unforgettable family memories.

She also enjoyed card games, from UNO to Spades, and loved the fellowship, laughter, competition, and togetherness that came with every game.

Carol also loved tennis, especially watching it. One of her favorite tennis traditions was Wimbledon. She admired the skill, focus, determination, and mental strength required to compete at that level, and she appreciated every point, game, and set.

And then there was karaoke.

Carol loved karaoke, and whenever she held the microphone, she embraced the spotlight. She did not need a packed crowd or a professional stage—just a good song and a room filled with family and friends. Whether singing her favorite artist “Prince” - songs like “Purple Rain, and “Little Red Corvette,” just to name a couple; Tracy Chapman’s “Fast Car,” Adele’s “Rolling in the Deep,” or another classic, Carol brought her own flair and joy to every performance. She did not simply sing karaoke; she turned the moment into a concert. Those who knew her can still picture her with the microphone in hand, fully in her element. What once seemed like ordinary moments have become treasured reminders of her joy and presence.

Carol had a spirit all her own. She was high-spirited, strong-willed, confident, and clear in her convictions. She was comfortable being uniquely Carol. She did not need to follow the crowd. She walked her own path, spoke her mind, and lived with a spirit that will not be forgotten. Those who knew her best will remember the unmistakable qualities that made Carol who she was.

Carol leaves to cherish her memory her beloved son, Darian Walton of Lansing, Michigan; her mother, Francie Walton; her brother, Harold Walton of Lansing, Michigan; her sister, Chaundra (Michael) Pratt of Maricopa, Arizona; her sisters, Sabrina Walton and Laraine Walton of Lansing, Michigan; her sister, Tshonda (Stephen) Egged of Taylor, Michigan; and her sister, Khlorese Walton of Lansing.

She also leaves behind to cherish her memories her beloved nieces and nephews: Aaron Walton, Natiya Walton, Mikiya Pratt, and Martika Pratt, all of Maricopa, AZ; Isaac Pratt and Dante Walton of Tempe, AZ; Tiara Walton of Tacoma, WA; Tyisha Walton, Deaundra Walton, Makayla Thompson, Khristian Walton, David Walton, Brandon Walton, Tayevon Walton, Malayna Thompson, and Malaysia Thompson, all of Lansing, MI; and Dane Jr. Harden of Taylor, MI. She also leaves her great-nieces, Auriana Walton, Madicyn Walton, Ny’ohmi Walton, Ava Pratt, Milaya Pratt, and Julianna Pratt, all of Maricopa, AZ; Sy’Riah Harden, of Tacoma, WA; Aleya Zamora, Muzique Walton, Aria Walton, and Freya Walton all of Lansing, MI. Her great-nephews, Ashad Walton and Qu’chaun Walton-Perkins of Maricopa, AZ; Lorenzo Zamora, Neiko Walton, Muze Walton, Messiah Thompson, and Kaleem Thompson, all of Lansing, MI. Carol is also remembered by many cousins, extended family members, friends, former colleagues, and loved ones.

Each person carries a special memory of Carol. Some will remember her wisdom, laughter, strength, determination, baking, competitive spirit, love of games, and the sound of her voice as she sang karaoke and enjoyed life.

Together, these memories form a beautiful collage of a life that will never be forgotten. Carol’s legacy will continue through all who knew and loved her.

Though our hearts ache because we can no longer see her, hear her voice, share a meal, play games, hear her sing, or listen to her speak her mind, we find comfort in knowing that death is not the end, but a transition from this earthly life into eternal rest. We hold to the promises of God and trust that Carol is resting peacefully in the arms of her Creator.

Her family finds comfort in Scripture:

“To be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.”

— 2 Corinthians 5:8

We believe Carol has completed her earthly journey and entered a place with no sorrow, no pain, and no tears.

Carol will forever be remembered as a daughter, sister, mother, aunt, cousin, graduate, lifelong learner, entrepreneur, public servant, baker, advocate for justice, sports fan, karaoke star, beloved family member, and beautiful soul whose life became part of the story of everyone blessed to know her.

Her physical presence is no longer with us, but her memory will live on through every life she touched.

Carol, your earthly journey is complete, but your love, strength, laughter, wisdom, and spirit will never leave us.

May your memories bring us comfort. May the love you gave continue to surround us. May the lessons of your life remain with all who knew you.

May the sweetness you shared through C&D Sweet Treats remind us of your gifts. May every Sunday dinner, holiday gathering, birthday celebration, and card game bring a smile when we think of you.

And whenever a karaoke microphone is passed around, may someone turn up the music, take the microphone, and sing a song for Carol—because we know she would have wanted the show to go on.

You pursued knowledge. You served your community. You fought for what you believed was right. You loved your family. You created something beautiful. You stood strong in your convictions. You sang your heart out. You lived life in your own unmistakable way. You fought your battles. You ran your race. You made your mark. And now, your work on Earth is done.

Rest peacefully, Carol. Until we meet again, may you forever rest in the loving arms of God.

She is gone from our sight, but never from our hearts.

Forever loved. Forever remembered. Forever missed.

Funeral service will be held at Kingdom Ministries, 3000 W. Miller Rd., Lansing, Friday, Aug. 28 at 12 p.m. with visitation beginning at 11 a.m.