Carolyn H. Ball, a long time resident of Winston-Salem, died May 16, 2009 after a brief illness. Born in Charlottesville, VA to Professor and Mrs. Wayland J. Hayes in March 1921, she was one of four children. She graduated from the University of Tennessee with a degree in Home Economics specializing in nutrition and dietary planning. In December 1942 she married 2LT Martin L. Ball, Jr. While he was serving as an infantryman in North Africa and Europe she managed a large day care operation for children of factory workers in Nashville, TN. Based on the rambunctious nature of her charges she might have qualified for a Silver Star for bravery like the one LT Ball earned. At war’s end Carolyn and Marty returned to Charlottesville where he earned his law degree. They moved to Winston-Salem in 1947. They had two sons, Martin born in 1949 and David born in 1952. When both boys were in high school she returned to the work force – first as a therapeutic dietician at Forsyth Memorial Hospital and later as a dietary advisor working with the cardiac rehabilitation at Bowman Gray School of Medicine. She was equally at ease telling a burly trucker or a middle aged lawyer from a silk stocking firm that they needed to cut down on saturated fats and empty calories. Carolyn was an avid gardener and an accomplished amateur painter. She drew inspiration from 19th century impressionists and the beauty of the North Carolina piedmont and mountains. She was a gracious and generous hostess. A life long non-smoker, she rapidly adapted to Winston-Salem customs by having plenty of ash trays throughout the house for her friends and guests. She traveled the world with numerous visits to Europe, N. Africa, and Asia.I n November 2001 Carolyn sold her home and moved to Decatur, GA to be closer to her older son and grandchildren. She transferred her church membership from Centenary United Methodist Church to Decatur First United Methodist Church. She is survived by her two sons - Martin of Decatur, and David of Winston-Salem, two grandsons – Connor and Andrew of Decatur, two sisters – Mary Hayes of Decatur and Sarah Swann of Signal Mountain, TN, and six nieces and nephews. Memorial services will be held at 11:30 A.M. Monday, May 18, at A. S. Turner & Sons Funeral Home, Decatur, GA with visitation from 10:30 until time of service. Those desiring may send contributions to a charity of the donor’s choice.
