Carolyn Fern Lindler

Carolyn Fern Lindler, 82, of Midland, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on Friday, December 19, 2025, at her home, surrounded by her loving family.

Carolyn was born on February 21, 1943, in South Carolina to the late Carroll Livingston Merritt and the late Ira Lee Merritt. She was raised in the Olympia and Rosewood communities of Columbia, South Carolina and graduated from Dreher High School in 1961.

That same year, Carolyn met the love of her life, James Lindler, at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church in South Carolina. They were married in November 1961 and shared 64 years of marriage filled with love, faith, and companionship. Together, they made their home in Charlotte and later Midland and enjoyed traveling and exploring the world side by side.

Carolyn dedicated many years of service to BellSouth, where she built a fulfilling career before retiring. Above all else, she cherished time spent with her family. She found her greatest joy in being a wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.

A funeral service will be held on Sunday, December 28, 2025, 2:00 p.m., at St. Thomas Lutheran Church, 4013 Shamrock Drive, Charlotte NC 28215, officiated by Pastor Rich Hogg.

Carolyn is survived by her devoted husband, James Luther Lindler of Midland, NC; her children, Lisa Estridge (David Sr.), Amy Polson (Donald), and James Christian Lindler (Amy); her brother, Michael Merritt; her grandchildren, David Estridge (Brittany), Christian Lindler (Mikayla), Emily Polson, Wyatt Lindler, and Kelsey Frampton (Chris); and her great-grandchildren, Jax Lindler, Jolee Lindler, Hayden Frampton, and Gabriel Estridge.

Memorials may be made to Tilley Compassionate Care, 960 North First Street, Albemarle, NC 28001 or https://tillerycompassionatecare.org

Hartsell Funeral Home of Midland is serving the Lindler family.