Merrie Carol Paxton Folden
Merrie Carol Paxton Folden, 76, of South Charleston, passed away on Thursday, May 22, 2025, at her home of 50 years. Born on Christmas Day, 1948, in Charleston, WV, she was the daughter of the late Helen T. Paxton, and granddaughter of the late Zora Hill Tully.
Carol was a 1966 graduate of Stonewall Jackson High School, where she was an active member of the Future Teachers of America, the Spanish Club, and the Future Business Leaders of America. She received her undergraduate degree from Marshall University, Master’s Degree in Education from West Virginia University, and completed 30 hours beyond her degree. She was a teacher in Kanawha County Schools for over 30 years, spending the majority of her career at George Washington High School, where she impacted and influenced the lives of many by teaching Spanish and business classes.
Some of Carol’s fondest memories were traveling with family and friends to the beach or other places. After retirement from teaching, she worked at Adams Hallmark for over 10 years, where she loved helping customers find the perfect greeting card or holiday decoration. She was a member of Alpha Delta Kappa Teaching Sorority, and loved spending time with all of her Sorority Sisters. Throughout her life, she enjoyed reading and church services.
She is survived by her sons, James “Jamie” David (Teri) Folden, Jr. of Hanover, Maryland and Jeffrey Todd Folden of Baltimore, Maryland; the lights of her life- her grandchildren, Hollie Rose and Harry James Folden of Hanover, Maryland; sister-in-law, Pam Folden of Kannapolis, NC; nieces, nephews and many dear friends and neighbors.
A Service to Honor the Life of Carol will be held at 10:00 AM, Wednesday, May 28, 2025, at Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston. The burial will be in Tyler Mountain Memory Gardens, Cross Lanes. Family and friends may visit from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM, Tuesday, May 27, 2025, at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the March of Dimes (www.marchofdimes.org), American Diabetes Association (www.diabetes.org), or another cause close to your heart.
Memories of Carol may be shared by visiting http://snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary.
Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston, is handling the arrangements.
Carol was my Big Sister in Alpha Sigma Alpha Sorority at Marshall University.
We shared a friendship lasting over 50 years.
Carol was a true friend and my partner in watching Dancing With the Stars which she loved. She is now dancing with the angels.
I am so sorry to learn of Carol’s death. I have many memories of Carol and her beautiful mother and grandmother when we were young girls. When we were in junior high school, Carol and I would often walk to her house after church, and then walk on to my house a couple of blocks further, where Carol would sometimes join my family for Sunday dinner. My brother and I often reminisced about those fun Sunday dinners and I have wonderful memories of Carol being with us for some of those times! In later years, when I would return to Charleston to visit family, I often saw Carol at the Hallmark Store and then we reconnected at our 50th class reunion. Her warm smile and pleasant personality never changed! My deepest condolences to her sons and their families.
She was my Spanish teacher at GW (I graduated in 2002), and I loved her! She was one of my inspirations for becoming a teacher myself. I also enjoyed visiting with her at Hallmark when I stopped in. Such a sweet and wonderful lady.
Jamie & Jeff, so sorry for your loss. The weather might keep me from tomorrow’s visitation. I will be thinking about you.
Senora Folden was my Spanish teacher at GWHS and, throughout the years, always shared a warm and friendly greeting whenever our paths crossed. She was a kind, funny and feisty lady whom I enjoyed so very much. A strong woman and a generous teacher, I will miss seeing her smiling face. My heart goes out to her family and friends. With much respect, appreciation and sympathy, Lisa McCracken, GWHS Class of ’72.
Sra. Folden was a long time neighbor, my Spanish teacher at GW (c/o 2003), and always a friendly face I’d see at Hallmark or walking around the circle in the neighborhood. She always supported me through the years whether it be at graduation parties or my bridal shower or at my wedding. My fondest memories are having her for Spanish. Such a calming presence but stern when she needed to be, especially if you were caught talking in class! She was an excellent teacher…she’ll always be a standout of all my teachers in high school! She will be greatly missed. Thoughts and prayers for the family.
Jamie and Jeff; My deepest condolences to you and your family.
The West Virginia and Kanawha County Associations of Retired School Employees extend their sincere sympathy to you, the family, in your sorrow. Blessings to all.