Carole Sue Totten

In Loving Memory of Carole Sue Totten With hearts full of love and gratitude, we announce the passing of our beloved mother, wife, Meemaw, sister, teacher, and friend, Carole Sue Totten, on July 16, 2026, at the age of 72. She was born on February 24, 1954, to the late Edward (Ed) Kelemen Jr. and Geraldine (Gerry) Michaels Kelemen of St. Albans. To know her was to know quiet strength, unwavering kindness, and a heart that always made room for those she loved. She found joy in life's simple moments—a conversation with family, laughter around the table, and the comfort of being surrounded by those she cherished most. Her love was steady, generous, and unconditional, and it will continue to guide us in the years to come. Carole returned to school while raising two young children as her husband worked full time, earning her K–8 education degree through determination and perseverance (she started at Southern and ended at WV State). She went on to build a remarkable career at Garnet Career Center in Charleston, where she served as an Adult Basic Education instructor and eventually led the Adult Basic Education program. She also taught mathematics for several career pathways, including the LPN program, as well as technology. She never missed a school event, ballgame, or milestone in her children's lives. Whether cheering from the stands or quietly encouraging from the sidelines, she was one of their greatest champions. She carried herself with a gentle peace, a servant's heart, and a kindness that touched everyone fortunate enough to know her. Her greatest accomplishment wasn't her career—it was the quiet, steadfast way she loved her family every single day. The less reserved and more adventurous side of Carole loved rock music—especially Heart and Van Halen—and treasured family trips to Carter Caves, where she enjoyed exploring caves, walking the trails, and staying in the cabins. She adored Myrtle Beach, where she could watch the waves, stroll along the shore, float the lazy river, gaze out over the ocean, and build sandcastles with first her children and later her grandchildren. She also loved shopping adventures, especially to the Gay Dolphin, Barefoot Landing, and Broadway at the Beach. Although she had been feeling quite ill, she was able to make one final trip to her beloved Myrtle Beach just one week before her passing to spend one final day gazing at the ocean and simply being with her family, whom she loved so dearly. She is survived by her loving husband, William Dempsey Totten of Hurricane; her children, Jamie M. Totten of Hurricane and William E. Totten (Ginger) of Huntington; her sister, Kathy Bowser (Gary) of El Sobrante, California; her brother, Mike Kelemen (Tonia) of St. Petersburg, Florida; her grandchildren, William Franklin Totten of Huntington, Alex William Totten of Hurricane, and Ella Rose Totten of Hurricane. She also shared close relationships with her sisters-in-law, Debbie Totten (Bill Rectenwald) of Given and Vickie Lowe (Jim) of Atlanta, Georgia, along with many beloved nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, extended family members, and dear friends who will carry her love with them always. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you honor Carole's memory by sharing kindness with someone you love, just as she did throughout her life. The family would also like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the nurses of the CAMC Open Heart Recovery Unit, who cared for Carole one-on-one with exceptional competence, skill, and compassion. We will be forever grateful for the extraordinary care and kindness they provided during her final days. She will be deeply missed and forever loved. To honor the beautiful person she was, a Celebration of Carole's Life will be held on August 22, 2026, at All About Fun in Hurricane, West Virginia. A brief service will begin at 11:00 a.m., followed by a time for family and friends to gather until 1:00 p.m. Children are especially welcome—we'll have activities for them (please remember to bring their socks so they can jump)—along with food and drinks for everyone, so come hungry. More than anything, Carole—Mom, Meemaw—would have wanted to see people together, smiling, laughing, and enjoying one another. In her honor, if you would like to share a favorite memory or a few words about Carole, we invite you to record a short video and send it to one of the family members listed above. Those memories will become a meaningful part of her celebration. You may also visit Carole's tribute page at BartlettNichols.com to share memories or offer condolences to the family. Bartlett-Nichols Funeral Home, family owned, is honored to serve the Totten family.

Carole Sue Totten

February 24, 1954 - July 16, 2026