Carolyn Jean Whitfield

Carolyn Jean Whitfield, age 94, died peacefully on April 18 in her home at Gaines Park Senior Living, Kennesaw, GA. Carolyn was born on August 23, 1931, at Atlanta’s Grady Memorial Hospital to parents Joseph Victor and Gertrude (née Benedict) Martin. She was an only child, graduating from West Fulton High School before starting a family and her career.

For many years, Carolyn was a human resources specialist at Oxford Industries in downtown Atlanta. During those years, she raised three children in her home in Mableton, GA. After retirement, Carolyn began a second career as a motor vehicle registration clerk in the Office of the Cobb County Tax Commissioner.

She was an accomplished home gardener, and with her son Vic produced some of the finest vegetable gardens in North Georgia. She loved to cook for her family, and her home was always a gathering place for annual holiday parties, barbecues, and special occasion reunions for her family and many friends. A child of the Great Depression, she knew how to frugally stretch her modest income to support her family, her church, and many charities, including the Girl Scouts of America and World Wildlife Fund.

Carolyn is preceded in death by her parents, one son, Victor Gene Whitfield of Austell, GA, and one daughter, Brenda Jane Morgan of Lexington, KY. She is survived by her daughter, Trudy Maxwell of Sherman, TX, her cousins Betty Benson, Jimmy Benedict, Dennis Benedict, “Judy Bug” Renfroe, and her daughter-in-law Charlene Barton, both of whom were like daughters to her. She is also survived by 8 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great-grandchildren.

Memorial services and arrangements are under the direction of Roy Davis Funeral Home in Austell, GA. The family will receive guests at 10:00 AM on Friday, April 24, 2026, with a Memorial Service following in the chapel of Roy Davis Funeral Home. A private ceremony for the family to honor Carolyn’s burial wishes will occur at a later date.