Carolyn Blakeley Cantley, 86, the widow of Robert Lynn Cantley, a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, at her home.

Born on April 25, 1940, she was the daughter of Rhodus E. Blakeley and Helen Boulware Blakeley. She grew up alongside her brother, Robert "Bobby" Blakeley, in the Suttons Community. Carolyn was a 1958 graduate of Williamsburg High School, where she served as the Senior Class President.

Carolyn met the love of her life, Robert Lynn Cantley, at Williamsburg High School, and they later wed on August 16, 1958. They spent 37 years together and were blessed with six children: Michael, Roger, Timmy, Bruce, Jennifer, and Steven. The family established deep roots in the Bloomingvale community, attending Elim United Methodist Church. Mrs. Cantley remained a member of Elim, attending faithfully and serving in many capacities within the church.

Mrs. Cantley spent her time as a homemaker, raising her children on the family farm. Lovingly referred to as "Granny Ben" by her grands and great-grands, she could often be found in her kitchen preparing meals for her family, with Saturday night hamburgers or Sunday dinners. Her Sunday afternoons were often spent on the front porch in the rocking chairs, spending time with her family while watching her grands and great-grands play in her yard.

Her love will live on in those she left behind: her children, Roger (Kim) Cantley, Timothy (Darlene) Cantley, Bruce (Donna) Cantley, Jennifer (Randy) Strong, and Steven Cantley; her grandchildren, Travis (Rebecca) Cantley, Kimberly Chenelle (James) Bailey, Kyle (Jenna) Cantley, Jerrica (Scotty) Knupp, Morgan Cantley, Jared (Joy) Strong, Miranda (Owen) Harrelson, Jordan (Brooks) Cantley, Kody (Nikki) Cantley, Jenna (Sam) Metzler, and Eric (Kent) Cantley; her great-grandchildren, Kailee, Alton, Ava, Maggie, Sadie, Walker, Sawyer, Mavis, Turner, Charlotte, Liam, Julie, Ada, and two more expected in late 2026; her brother, Bobby Blakeley; and numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Robert Lynn, and a son, Michael.

The Cantley family will receive family and friends at Happy Home Freewill Baptist Church on Monday, July 13, 2026, from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m.

Funeral services will be held at 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, at Happy Home Freewill Baptist Church. Interment will be held privately.