Longtime Pulaski Resident Carol Jane Church Passes Away at 79

Church leaves behind children, grandchildren, and siblings in the local community.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 11:34pm

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An abstract, impressionistic photograph in soft, hazy tones depicting a cozy domestic scene, conceptually representing the warmth and nostalgia of a close-knit community mourning the loss of a longtime resident.The passing of a beloved community member leaves an indelible mark on the small-town fabric of Pulaski.Pulaski Today

Carol Jane Church, a 79-year-old resident of Pulaski, Virginia, passed away on Sunday, April 5, 2026 at the Pulaski Health and Rehabilitation Center. Born in Pulaski in 1946, Church was the daughter of the late Clarence W. Lovern and Alice Hughes, and was preceded in death by her husband Clarence W. Collins.

Why it matters

Church's passing marks the end of an era for a long-time Pulaski family with deep roots in the community. As a lifelong resident, she was part of the fabric of the town, leaving behind a legacy through her children, grandchildren, and siblings who continue to live in the area.

The details

According to the obituary, Church is survived by her three children - Garland Matthew Collins, Stacey Lynn Collins Alderman, and Kelly Marie Duncan Grissom - as well as five grandchildren and four siblings. Per her wishes, there will be no funeral services, but an online guestbook has been set up for the community to leave condolences.

  • Carol Jane Church passed away on Sunday, April 5, 2026.
  • She was born on December 29, 1946 in Pulaski, Virginia.

The players

Carol Jane Church

A 79-year-old lifelong resident of Pulaski, Virginia who passed away on April 5, 2026.

Clarence W. Lovern

Carol Jane Church's late father.

Alice Hughes

Carol Jane Church's late mother.

Clarence W. Collins

Carol Jane Church's late husband.

Bower Funeral Home & Crematory

The funeral home handling the arrangements for Carol Jane Church's family.

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The takeaway

Carol Jane Church's passing marks the end of an era for a long-standing Pulaski family, but her legacy lives on through her children, grandchildren, and siblings who continue to be part of the local community.