Carol Jean Valencourt

Carol Jean (Dunlap) Valencourt, 96, passed away November 17, 2025, her faith becoming sight, and her hope becoming experience with her Creator and Lord, Jesus Christ.

She was born September 29, 1929, in New Paris, Indiana to Art and Belva (Martin) Dunlap. July 2, 1949, she married Roy Valencourt, who preceded her in transition in March 2004.

Carol is lovingly remembered by her four sons: René (Leslie) Valencourt, Joel Valencourt, Keith (Terry) Valencourt, and James Valencourt; five grandchildren; fifteen great-grandchildren; her sister, Donna (Max) Yoder of Sarasota, Florida; and her sister-in-law, Dolores Dunlap, Arlington, Texas.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her beloved husband and friend, and her brother, Richard Dunlap.

Her early years after birth were in California; then she returned to her roots in New Paris and at New Paris Church of the Brethren, with her last year in high school in Sarasota, Florida. She went to Manchester College, where she met Roy, the love of her life. After college, they began their family and raised four boys. This was a challenging time, especially with the youngest who experienced brain injury through illness in infancy; she was his tireless advocate, and is a major reason for his success in life.

Carol was fearless, willing to go wherever to serve, whomever in whatever way that Christ called her and her family to live and minister.

She cherished the twenty-three years living in Salisbury, North Carolina, and the life-long friends she gained in the community and at Hood Seminary. Also very memorable was their service as missionaries for six years in Ecuador and two years in Nigeria.

She lived a third of a century at Greencroft-Goshen Retirement Community (the first twelve years with Roy until his decease). She engaged in community life there — with the singing group; many, many field trips, often as bus driver; and serving many years on the Greencroft Residential Advisory Board. Carol’s lifelong bent toward adventure continued as she engaged in national and international travel with family and friends, continuing epic adventures.

Carol loved many things.

She loved her grandparents, parents, brother, and sister. She loved Roy, her sons, and their families. She spoke of her family often. She hurt when her family hurt and rejoiced when they rejoiced. Carol was kind and caring, as evidenced by her love and care for Roy on his cancer journey. Carol was thoughtful and kind to her family as she realized she was having memory issues, choosing to change living arrangements, giving up her car, when needful. She loved her Church family and friends.

As much love as she had for all of you, she had more for Jesus Christ. Carol read, studied, and meditated on His Word. She memorized many of her favorite passages. As a woman of faith, she wouldn’t hit you over the head with her Bible. She did, however, share her faith and was an apologist. She didn't often get angry, but she had a stern voice to let you know if she disagreed with or didn’t approve of your life choices.

Carol loved her little dogs. Sometimes she would bring her dog to Bible study, carrying the dog in her large pocketbook.

She loved reading, learning, and researching. Carol could speak multiple languages. She loved to play Rook with dear friends. She loved the outdoors, camping, hiking in the mountains, and swimming. She loved tennis, watching every tournament possible, to her last year.

As an avid and gifted tennis player, she took part in — and won — many tournaments over the years, beginning at age fourteen, to her last trophy at age thirty-nine. Her father Art (who started the tennis program at New Paris High School) instilled in her the joy and taught her the art and skills of the sport. She adored him.

She shared talents and time in a variety of roles throughout her life, including wife, mother, librarian, bus driver, and retirement community advisory board member.

Carol was a great example of a Christ follower, and to know and be with her was a pleasure. Well done, good and faithful servant.

A celebration of life will be held Saturday morning, January 17, at 10:15, preceded by visitation at 9, at Evergreen meeting room at Greencroft-Goshen. Yoder-Culp Funeral Home is assisting the family. 

Memorial contributions may be directed to New Paris Church of the Brethren or to Heifer International.