Carolyn (Waters) Whatley was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, on February 12, 1949, to the late Addie Mae (Waters) Ross and Corry Evans. She departed this earthly life to be with her Heavenly Father on April 24, 2026.

She spent her early childhood in Cincinnati’s East End, where she was lovingly raised by her grandparents, Ivy and Mattie Mae Waters. During her teenage years, Carolyn moved to Evanston with her mother and siblings.

From an early age, Carolyn developed a deep love for the Lord through the influence of her grandparents. She cherished being by her grandfather’s side as he read his Bible, prayed, and sang, and she treasured the loving meals prepared by her grandmother, often enjoying helping her in the kitchen. Those early years laid the spiritual foundation that would guide her throughout her life. Carolyn faithfully attended church with her grandfather and united with Mt. Carmel Baptist Church at the age of four under the leadership of Rev. T. L. Barron.

During her years at Mt. Carmel, Carolyn was an active and devoted member. She sang in the choir, served as a missionary, and worked as a nurse within the church. Her love for worship and fellowship remained strong, and she continued attending church faithfully until her health began to fail.

Carolyn received her education through the Cincinnati Public School system and graduated from Withrow High School in 1967. She was a dedicated and hardworking woman who held various positions throughout her career, including employment with the IRS, the University of Cincinnati Hospital, and Jobs and Family Services, from which she retired after more than thirty years of faithful service. She also remained active by briefly working at Community Action in daycare, serving as a bus monitor, and also at Willing Arms Daycare.

Carolyn found joy in the simple but meaningful things in life. Her mornings often began with gospel music, prayer, reading her Bible, and spending time with her daily devotional. She was known for her thoughtful spirit and enjoyed reaching out to others by sending birthday cards, Christmas cards, get-well wishes, and sympathy cards. Carolyn also loved challenging herself with crossword puzzles, word searches, reading the newspaper, and playing bingo, pokeno, and cards with family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her beloved granddaughter, India T. Rabb; her sisters, Vanessa Ross and Jacqueline Hodore; and other dear family members who welcomed her into eternal rest.

Carolyn leaves to cherish her precious memory: her devoted children, Robert Lee (Sandra) Waters, Crystal Denin (Darrell) Mann, and Lawrence Whatley, Jr.; seven grandchildren; twelve great-grandchildren; her siblings, Otis Ross, Jr., Thelma Jean Bobbs, Sharon Winn, and Corry (Bridgette) Evans, Jr.; her beloved aunts, Annie Pearl Parks and Mamie Delores Waters; along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and treasured friends.

Friends are cordially invited to a visitation with the family from 9:00 am until 10:00 am, on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at the Mt Carmel Baptist Church, 3101 Riverside Dr, Cincinnati, OH 45226, Cincinnati (45226). The funeral service will immediately follow the visitation, beginning at 10:00 am. Friends and family will gather to share memories, find solace in one another's company, and honor the legacy she leaves behind.

She will be laid to rest at Vine Street Hill Cemetery, 3701 Vine Street, Cincinnati, Ohio 45220.

We invite you to take a few moments to share fond memories and words of comfort and condolence with the Whatley family. Please click the "Tribute Wall" icon above and to the right, enter the information, and click "Save Post."

Walker Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for the Whatley family during this difficult time. Please call 513.251.6200 or visit www.HerbWalker.com for additional information.