Carolyn Auman Hodgin

Carolyn Auman Hodgin, known affectionately as “MeMe” to her grandchildren, passed away on January 4, 2025, at the Randolph Hospice House in Asheboro. Born in the same town on March 2, 1941, Carolyn lived a life rooted in love, family, and a deep sense of home.

Carolyn was a woman of simple joys and unwavering devotion. A devoted wife to Keith Grimes Hodgin Jr., whom she married on October 25, 1959, she built a life alongside him marked by resilience and adaptability as they navigated countless moves for his career as an engineer. Despite the many places they lived, Carolyn ensured their home—wherever it was—remained a sanctuary of love and comfort. While she thrived in almost every environment, she made sure to let us know that Montana was not her favorite.

She is survived by her husband Keith Grimes Hodgin Jr., her siblings, Jerry Auman (wife Elaine) and Jane Auman Bell (husband John), her sons K. Greg Hodgin (wife Lois) and Derek Hodgin (wife Jane), her grandchildren Jennifer Hamilton (husband Brian), Hali Neely (husband Rainer), Marley Hart (husband Zach), Julie Koontz, Sydney Hodgin, and Blaise Hodgin, and her great-grandchildren Ellis Hamilton, Luke Hamilton, Jack Young, Finn Hart, Tate Koontz, Hattie Hart, Florence Hart, and Crosby Hart, all of whom brought light to her life. She is preceded in death by her parents Arthur and Jewel Auman and brother, Johnny Auman.

Known for her Southern grace and hospitality, Carolyn’s home was a haven for family and friends alike. Her love for hosting was evident in her grandchildren’s poolside birthday celebrations at her home, where decorations were always thoughtfully placed for every season. At Christmas, her house on Hwy 42 S in Coleridge became a landmark, adorned with a towering flagpole Christmas tree, its radiant lights visible to those driving by and a source of delight for the community.

Carolyn’s hands were rarely still. She nurtured flower boxes that added vibrant color to her home, crocheted treasures for loved ones, and filled her kitchen with the aroma of homemade Southern dishes like collard greens and cornbread. Even in her later days, when her energy waned, Carolyn could still muster the strength for a trip to her favorite thrift stores, where she found joy in uncovering hidden treasures and giving them new life.

In addition to her family, Carolyn’s legacy was shaped by her roles as a dental hygienist, Sunday school teacher, and dedicated homemaker. She approached each season of her life with quiet strength and purpose. Though she was a woman of few boastful words, her actions spoke volumes about her values and the depth of her love.

Carolyn was also an observer of life, recording her thoughts, memories, and reflections in her journals. Though she never explicitly told us not to read them, we won’t—out of respect (and maybe a little healthy fear) for what’s inside. In addition to decades of written first hand experiences in her journals, her family relied on her as the family historian as she thoughtfully saved every news article, photograph, and card, ensuring that no memory was lost. 

Carolyn’s life was a tapestry of moments both tender and vibrant. Beneath her demure demeanor, she had a spark that surprised those who didn’t know her well, like the time she attended a Cheap Trick and Red Hot Chili Peppers concert. She was a woman full of grace but never without a touch of spunk.

Arrangements for a celebration of Carolyn’s life are pending; this space will be updated upon their completion. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to a charity of your choice.

She was a light to her family, her community, and all who were fortunate enough to know her. Carolyn Auman Hodgin’s legacy will live on in the hearts she touched and the love she so freely gave.