Carolyn Simpson Goodman Ray

Carolyn Simpson Goodman Ray, 74, of China Grove, Passed away Saturday, April 5, 2025. She was born May 31, 1950, to Ray Lee Simpson and Mary Frances Simpson.

Carolyn received her education in Kannapolis City Schools and then was employed by Cannon Mills for 23 years as well as a hostess for Carino’s following her time at the mill.

Carolyn was a wonderful cook and enjoyed making homemade candy every Christmas. She also baked and decorated birthday and all occasion cakes over the years. She was a lover of her flowers, plants, and had a natural green thumb.

Carolyn was proceeded in death by the love of her life, Walter M. Goodman Sr., who she married in 1968 and her daughter, Dianne Carol Goodman.

Left to cherish her memory are her children, Donna M. Goodman, Walter M. Goodman Jr (Tracy), and David T. Goodman (Angie), 8 grandchildren; 18 great grandchildren; second husband Wayne H. Ray and her stepchildren, Wayne, Denise and Billy; special sons, Steve Ballard and Cody Welch, and special sister Willene Holland; other relatives and friends.

A celebration of life will take place on Wednesday April 9 at 11:00 am at Friendship Baptist Church, 100 Porter Road, in Salisbury with burial to follow at West Lawn Memorial Park.