Carolyn Renee Steen, better known as Bunky, age 59 of Lincolnton, NC, passed away August 24, 2025 at Atrium Health Lincoln, Lincolnton, N C.

She was born on August 28, 1965 in Charlotte, NC, the daughter of the late James "Jim" Morgan Steen, Jr and Edna Earl Thomas Smith Steen.

Carolyn enjoyed her job as Produce Manager at Harris Teeter and Ingles. She took pride in her work. Ensuring that fruits and vegetables were fresh, meet or exceeded quality and presented in an "eye catching" display to attract customers. Daily she tried to to meet her boss' expectations as she carried out her responsibilities.

Many times I watched as she showed someone how to tell if a watermelon or cantaloupe was ripe. The customers trusted her and she enjoyed conversing with them. Listening carefully to a recent widow who just needed to talk or laughing with a jokester. She had an infections laugh and when she smiled her eyes smiled also.

Her hobbies included puzzles and music. For hours she and her friend would sit and work 100 piece puzzles.

Alabama was her group. Everytime they came to Charlotte she was there. She had a beautiful voice and people were surprised when they heard her sing the first time.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by two brothers;

Danny Smith and wife Joann, James "Bo" Smith and partner Cindy Henson, and three sisters, Linda Smith and husband Keith Smith, Jane Smith and partner Larry Johnston, Pam Smith and husband Henry Baucom.

Carol is survived by one sister Gay Smith and husband Tal Hardin of Asheboro, NC. One brother, Tony Kanipe of Vancouver, Washington.

One brother-in-law Jimmy Martin of Charlotte, NC.

Her daughter Laurel Packer Covington and partner Sean Tirpitz. of Hamlet, NC; and two granddaughters Destiny Packer Covington and Scarlett Packer Tirpitz both of Hamlet, NC.

A memorial service will be schedule at a later date.