On May 23, 2024, Carolyn D. Woodrum, beloved wife of Ray, died unexpectedly in her sleep. Carolyn was born March 6, 1942 in Abingdon, VA and spent her early childhood on a farm in Seven Mile Ford, VA. Carolyn loved the farm and especially sneaking into the spring house with cousin Coby and taking their pick of fresh fruits and vegetables. Sliced tomatoes on fresh baked bread were plenty of dinner for Carolyn.

The family moved to Alexandria in the mid 50’s, where she graduated from Hammond High School. Her dream of attending Duke University didn’t happen, so Marion College in southwest VA was her next stop. To finish her education, she enrolled in Emory and Henry College and graduated with a major in Early Childhood Education, with a minor in Religious Studies. One of her regrets was at that time women were rarely entering the ministry.

After graduation Carolyn returned to Alexandria and began teaching 5th grade at Mantua elementary school. While teaching, Carolyn began to sing in the choir at Washington Street UMC. While maybe not a great singer, she did hang around long enough to meet her future Husband. They married on April 6, 1968. Even with two young sons, Carolyn was Chairperson of a very successful Christmas Bazaar (21+ yrs.), that funded many missionary programs. She took a break while the family spent two years in Iowa. Upon returning to Alexandria and WSUMC, Carolyn continued her leadership roles. In addition to the Christmas Bazaar, she was president of the United Methodist Women, taught adult Sunday School classes and would help out in the kitchen when necessary.

The Woodrum’s relocated to Winchester in 1999 and immediately joined Braddock Street UMC (this was at the insistence of Ray’s sister Mary Beth, who was in the church choir).
Carolyn continued staying busy in her new church home. Leadership roles were, serving as Church Lay leader, President of Methodist Women, Delegate to the Virginia Annual Conference, teaching adult bible studies, WATTS, Monday Night Dinners and in the kitchen along with her special partner Megan Pugh, and numerous other wonderful volunteers, making sure special dinners that were to everyone’s delight. YOU WILL BE MISSED!

In addition to her church work, Carolyn enjoyed working at the WMC South Tower Information Desk greeting visitors with friends and loved ones in the hospital. She and her co-workers were really a great team and would fill in for each other at a moment’s notice. Unfortunately, Carolyn’s health resulted in her missing a great deal of work recently. Her friends at work, in church, her, PEO Sorority Sisters and many others showered Carolyn with cards, thoughts and prayers.

Carolyn is survived by her husband Ray, sons Andrew and Matthew, Grandson Colby Woodrum, brother, Gary Dungan, nieces Betsy Dungan and Sarah Katz and special cousin Coby Simmerly.

Carolyn was preceded in death by father James (Ted) Dungan and mother Mildred Rector Dungan.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to The Laurel Center, Intervention for Domestic and Sexual Violence, PO Box 14, Winchester, VA 22604 or Braddock Street UMC, 115 Wolfe St, Winchester, VA 22601.

There will be a celebration of Carolyn’s life at 11 AM Wednesday May 29, at Braddock Street UMC in Winchester, VA.