Carol Hollahan

Carol Honeycutt Hollahan
Feb 5, 1935 - Nov 25, 2025
Carol Honeycutt Hollahan was born on February 5, 1935, in her grandmother's home near Coats, North Carolina, as the first child and daughter of James Ransom Honeycutt and Allene Turlington Honeycutt.
She grew up in Harnett County, experiencing farm life at Turlington Crossroads and in the nearby mill town of Erwin. Surrounded by cousins, family, and friends, Carol coined a signature "Carol-ism": "In the country, cousins are your first best friends." This sentiment stayed with her, and her extended family remained close throughout her life.
After graduating from Coats High School, Carol attended East Carolina Women's College (now East Carolina University). She began her career as a secretary in Raleigh. While living in a women-only apartment building, she noticed a young gentleman moving in-a feat in itself-and endeavored to meet the aspiring English professor from NC State. Carol married her beloved Eugene Hollahan in April 1963. Together, they began married life on Avent Ferry Road in Raleigh. Their first son, Mark Ransom, arrived in December 1965, followed by their second son, Brian Walsh, in October 1968. In July 1969, the family relocated to Atlanta, settling in the Medlock neighborhood near Decatur. There, they quickly became part of a vibrant community, and a legion of young boys moved from house to house-playing, eating, and growing up together. The Medlock Moms-a group formed in the late 1960s-remained close as their sons grew, married, and brought back grandchildren and even great-grandchildren. These friendships endured, and many of these women remained among Carol's dearest friends.
Carol and Gene radiated warmth and generosity, drawing people in. As neighbors came and went, their circle only widened. They welcomed newcomers into their home and hearts. Over the years, countless friends-both young and old-came to know Carol as their "second Mom." This reflected her boundless kindness and nurturing spirit.
Carol wasn't just a homebody. She was a skilled administrator at Georgia State University for more than 20 years, serving as a senior administrative assistant to multiple University Vice Presidents. Yet, all work makes for a dull life, and Carol wasn't one for that. With Gene, she relished time on North Carolina's beaches, Hilton Head Island, and the Emerald Coast. Together, over the years, they journeyed from Maine to California and from Washington, D.C. to Miami, attending conferences and visiting friends and family across the country. Later, they explored Ireland, Italy, and France together. At other times, with her sister, Rebecca, and mother, Allene, Carol ventured to Argentina, Seoul, Hong Kong, London, Paris, and cruised almost every major river in Europe.
Carol was blessed with good health and a positive outlook. At 90, she looked no more than 70 to the astonishment of her doctors. She had many interests that filled her days. Carol was an avid gardener, painter, reader, and cook. Her holiday meals were feasts to behold, and her house was lovingly decorated for each season. She loved entertaining friends or having an afternoon chat over a glass of wine. In recent years, she joined the United Methodist Church in Oak Grove. This brought her great peace and more friends.
Above all, Carol cherished time with her sons, Mark and Brian, and their families. She was blessed with four grandsons-Thomas, Ransom, Oliver, and Jackson. She adored each as the jewel of her eyes and celebrated their growth and achievements. She doted on them endlessly. Her beloved Gene, to whom she was married for 54 years, predeceased her in April 2017.
Carol Honeycutt Hollahan is lovingly remembered by her family: son Mark Ransom and his wife, Kim, and grandsons Ransom and Jackson; son Brian Walsh and his wife, Nadya, and grandsons Thomas and Oliver. Her sister, Rebecca Cohen; her brothers-in-law, Steve Hollahan and Ken Cohen; and a cherished circle of nieces, nephews, cousins, and family friends will remember her always.
A Memorial Service to celebrate the life of Carol Hollahan will be held on January 10, 2026, at 2:00pm at Oak Grove United Methodist Church in Atlanta. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in her memory to Clara Inspired (www.clarainspired.org) or the American Cancer Society.