Carolyn Elizabeth Malpass Lanier: A Legacy of Love and Laughter

Long before Carolyn Lanier entered a room, you heard her. Her laugh wasn't just a sound; it was an infectious force of nature. It acted as a gale force wind of joy that filled every corner of a room, lifting the spirits of everyone within earshot. Her laugh remained with people long after she left, a lingering echo of a woman who found humor & light in every journey.

A Sixty-Eight Year Love Story

While Carolyn's energy was boundless, her heart was anchored by a single, enduring bond. She was the devoted wife of Alvin Lanier, the love of her life. Together, they built a home and a history in Jacksonville, NC, rooted in a partnership that spanned nearly seven decades. Having recently celebrated their 68th wedding anniversary, their marriage was a shared adventure that weathered the changing world while their commitment to one another remained a constant North Star.

A Lifetime of Adventures

Carolyn was a woman of vision and a pioneer at heart. She didn't just dream of seeing the world; she made sure those around her saw it, too. In a clever play on both her and her husband’s names, she founded Car-o-lan Tours. Through her company, she transformed her friends into fellow travelers, exposing them to wonders they might never have seen otherwise. Among her favorite spots to share were: New York City, Lancaster, PA (Amish Country), Washington, D.C., and Nashville, TN (The Grand Ole Opry).

A Foundation of Faith

Carolyn's life was deeply intertwined with the First Baptist Church where she was a pillar of the community since her childhood. Her faith was expressed most beautifully through her work with the Comfort Committee, where she provided a warm heart & hand to families in their hours of need.

Her Living Legacy

Carolyn Elizabeth Malpass Lanier, 86, of Jacksonville, NC passed away on September 5, 2026 in Wilmington, NC. She was the daughter of the late Carlyle and Gladys Malpass. Her legacy is carried forward by those who will forever hear her laughter in the wind:

Her husband, Alvin; daughters Angela (husband Brian) Jarman and Karla (husband James) Irvine; grandchildren Hayden (wife Jasmine), Jimmy (wife Alyson), Nick, and John; and sisters Dottie (husband James) Stinson and Sherry (husband Phil) Rhodes. She also leaves behind many nieces and nephews whom she loved as her own, and a host of other loving relatives and friends.

Having spent a lifetime guiding others on earthly tours, Carolyn has now set out on her final adventure, leaving behind an echo of laughter and joy for us all to cherish.

A funeral service to honor Carolyn’s life will be held on Thursday, September 10th, at 2:00 PM at Jones Funeral Home in Jacksonville, NC, officiated by Ryan Hearn. The family will welcome friends for visitation one hour prior to the service, beginning at 1:00 PM. Following the service, Carolyn will be laid to rest during a 3:00 PM burial at Onslow Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial contributions be made in Carolyn’s memory to Lower Cape Fear LifeCare.