Karon Sue Vanzant Carlson

Reverend Karon Sue Vanzant Carlson, 78, of Bear Creek, went to her Heavenly home on July 31st, 2025, surrounded by family.

Karon was born February 9th, 1947, in McKinley County, New Mexico to the late James Wiley and Dorothy Esther Mace Vanzant. She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 55 years, Reverend James “Jim” Byron Carlson; and her sister, Sharon Grande-Larsen.

Karon was the homemaker at her home and loved taking care of her family. She enjoyed cooking and baking and loved hosting parties for her family. Karon was really involved in multiple kinds of ministry, especially at the nursing homes. She was a prayer warrior and worshipper of Jesus. She loved her family as well as her church family. Karon also loved to sing. You could catch her singing a tune anytime of the day.

Karon is survived by her two daughters, Ronda Scotton of Thomasville, and Kimberly Middeke and her husband, Mark of Trinity; her three sons, Robert Carlson and his wife, Audra of Greer, SC, Rik Carlson and his wife, Tonya, of Siler City, and Brandon Carlson and his wife, Lindsey, of Greer, SC; her sisters, Jan Anderson of Tucson, AZ, and Debbie Luster of Glendale, AZ; her two brothers, James Wilburn Vanzant of Sun City, AZ, and Gerald Vanzant of Lakeside, AZ; her twenty grandchildren, and three great grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Son Shadow Ministries, 7221 Belmont Drive, Trinity, NC 27230.

A private family service will be held at a later date.

Smith & Buckner Funeral Home will be assisting the Carlson family.

Online condolences can be made at www.smithbucknerfh.com