Carolyn Bain

Carolyn Umbarger Bain, 78, of Salem, Virginia, went to be with the Lord on Friday, December 5, 2025. Born August 5, 1947, in Radford, Va., to the late Zeb V. and Lena Pillars Umbarger, she is also predeceased by her loving husband of 50 years, William Earl Bain.

As an Army brat, Carolyn had the opportunity to live in many different locations around the world including Alaska, Arizona, Texas and Germany, where she graduated from Nürnberg American High School.

Carolyn was a devoted member of Grandin Court Baptist Church for over 50 years where she served in numerous roles, most recently as teacher of the Sophia Sunday School class. Carolyn was also an oblate of the Benedictine Sisters of Erie, Penn. She worked as church secretary for several years before beginning a career in higher education at institutions including Roanoke College; High Point University, where she earned her bachelor's degree in Industrial-Organizational Psychology; and Virginia Tech.

Carolyn will be remembered for her love of needlework, cooking, reading and a passion for studying the Bible.

Those remaining to cherish her memory are her children, Leigh B. (Shane) Hitchcock of Nashville, Tenn. and Stuart M. (Sarah) Bain of Salem, Va.; grandchildren, Hannah and Rebekah Hitchcock and Elizabeth, Charles, and Charlotte Anne Bain; sister, Barbara (David) Van Sutphen, of Salem, Va.; numerous nieces and nephews; extended family; her Grandin Court Baptist Church family; and beloved friends of her longtime C&C dinner group.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 3, 2026, at 3:00 p.m., at Grandin Court Baptist Church, 2660 Brambleton Avenue SW, Roanoke, with Dr. Kevin Meadows officiating.

The family would like to extend their sincerest gratitude to the staff of Good Samaritan Hospice for their compassionate care and loving kindness to Carolyn and their family.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Grandin Court Baptist Church.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family by visiting www.johnmoakey.com.