Carolyn Mae McDonnell

Mrs. Carolyn Mae (Goff Pryor) McDonnell, resident of Vienna, WV, age 90, was called home to Glory on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, surrounded by family.

Born October 5, 1934 in Parkersburg, West Virginia, Carolyn was the first of five children of the late Marvin Edwin “Ed” and Eva Mae (Kemper) Goff.

After graduating from Parkersburg High School in 1952, Carolyn married John Pryor, Jr. Tragedy struck in 1958 when a car accident took John’s life and left Carolyn near death. By God’s grace she recovered and learned to walk again. And thanks to the loving support of her family and in-laws, she raised her two girls, Becky and Annette.

Carolyn remained strong in her faith and active in church. She firmly believed, “The Lord takes care of us.” And He did. God sent a good Christian man her way in 1966. She married Patrick Dewitt McDonnell in January 1969, and they were blessed with a son, Patrick, Jr. For over fifty years, Carolyn and Pat built a life together, raising their three children and working side-by-side.

Always caring and nurturing, Carolyn was a Sunday School teacher, Girl Scout leader, and Den Mother. She enjoyed telling stories around the campfire.

Carolyn loved her family and delighted in watching “the little ones” grow up. She loved to cook and bake, and she cherished family get-togethers, church potlucks, and family picnics.

She is survived by three siblings, Marvin Goff (Sylvia), Margaret Goff, and Patricia Erdman (David); a sister-in-law, Jane McDonnell; two children, Annetta Gelbrich (Frank) and Patrick McDonnell, Jr (Andrea); a son-in-law, Robert Konz; six grandchildren; thirteen great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her two husbands, John Pryor, Jr. and Patrick D. McDonnell, Sr.; sister, Kathryn Hall; daughter, Rebecca Konz; grandson, Benjamin Konz and granddaughter, Paula Konz.

“When bad things happen, you just have to ask the Lord to help you figure out what to do, and then do it.” – Carolyn (Goff Pryor) McDonnell

Funeral services will be held 1:00 pm Tuesday, April 29, 2025 at the Lambert-Tatman Funeral Home, Vienna. Burial will follow at the Evergreen North Cemetery. Visitation will be from 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm Tuesday at the funeral home.

Lambert-Tatman Funeral Home is honored to serve the McDonnell family.