Carol Queen Martin, 62, of Polkville, passed away on Sunday, November 8, 2026, at Atrium Health - Pineville.

Carol was born on March 27, 1964, in Cleveland County, to Nancy Lattimore Queen of Polkville and the late Harold Dean Queen. She retired from Cleveland County Schools after a dedicated career in education, having served as the Senior Guidance Counselor at Burns High School. Carol was a devoted member of Zion Baptist Church, where she served as Minister of Music, sharing her beautiful gift of song and her love for the Lord.

Carol had a deep appreciation for nature and all of God's creatures. She found joy in life's simple blessings, especially tending to her roses, which she lovingly shared with neighbors and friends during difficult times as a way of bringing a little beauty and encouragement into their lives. Whether watching the tides roll in at the beach, admiring the beauty of a sunset, or welcoming the promise of a new day with the sunrise, Carol found peace and comfort in the wonders of God's creation.

Above all, Carol's greatest joy was her family. She was a loving wife, mother, daughter, sister, and a devoted "MiMi" to her four precious grandchildren. The love she had for her family was immeasurable, and the memories they shared will forever be treasured.

In addition to her father, Carol was preceded in death by her brother, William "Bill" Queen.

Left to cherish her memory, in addition to her mother, are her loving husband of forty years, Bruce Martin; her son, Ethan Martin and wife Laura of Polkville; her daughter, Caroline Lattimore and husband Houston of Polkville; her sister, Lynn Richard and husband Eric of Polkville; her sister-in-law, Shannon Mayhew and husband Donnie "Monk" of Polkville; and her four beloved grandchildren, Grace, Noah, Judd, and Jace. She is also survived by her nieces and nephews, Lindsay Mays and husband Brandon, Casey Hamrick and husband Jonny, and Storm Smith and wife Amber, all of Polkville; Corey Smith and wife Christina of Lawndale; and Marina Smith of Charlotte.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Stamey-Tysinger Funeral Home in Fallston.

A funeral service celebrating Carol's life will be held on Thursday, November 12, 2026, at 2:00 PM at Zion Baptist Church in Shelby, with the Rev. Will Haas and Dr. Jim McConnell officiating.

Burial will follow in the Lattimore Family Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the Zion Baptist Church Choir Fund, 525 W. Zion Church Road, Shelby, NC 28150.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Stamey-Tysinger Funeral Home & Cremation Center, Fallston.