Obituary of Carole Williams Holmes

Carole Williams Holmes passed away peacefully at her Lake Norman home on Saturday, November 18, 2023, at the age of 84. She was surrounded by her loving husband, daughter, son-in-law, and granddaughter. She was preceded in death by her parents Dot and Frank, sister Lois, brother Ken Williams (Mary Lib), and brother Jerry Williams (Alice). She is survived by her loving husband of 62 years Woody Holmes, brother Don Williams (Erwin), daughter Deede Turner (Brook), granddaughter Emily Turner (Alex), granddaughter Becky Turner (Brett), and many nieces and nephews. Her first great-grandchild is due to be born in January.

Carole was born January 22, 1939, in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania to Frank and Dot Williams. She moved to Charlotte, North Carolina with her family at three years old and would live the rest of her life in North Carolina. She attended Myers Park High School, where she met her lifelong sweetheart, Woody, in the 11th grade. Carole and Woody married August 27, 1961, at Hawthorne Lane United Methodist Church. She gave birth to her daughter, her pride and joy, Deede, in 1962. 

After graduating high school in 1956, she attended Presbyterian Hospital School of Nursing and became a registered nurse. She worked as a nurse for 18 years at a pediatrician’s office and as a private duty nurse. A lifelong nightowl, she preferred the night shift and got her endless energy from Coca-Cola.

Carole always said that her true calling in life was music. A gifted soprano and pianist, she sang in a choir from seven years old through the age of 82. She was the primary soloist at Hawthorne Lane UMC starting in her teenage years, and a lead choir soprano for decades. Her favorite songs were songs of praise, including The Lord’s Prayer, the Hallelujah Chorus, and O Holy Night. She also sang with the Charlotte Choral Society for several years and could be seen near the top of their annual Singing Christmas Tree.

Perhaps Carole’s greatest lifelong devotion was to her Christian faith and to Hawthorne Lane UMC. An active member from age three until her death, the church was Carole’s second home, and its members were her extended family. Some of her many activities at the church included directing children, youth, and adult choirs; playing piano for Sunday School every week; serving as president of the United Methodist Women; volunteering at every annual barbecue fundraiser; and participating in many more Bible studies, bake sales, and weekly events.

The most important thing in Carole’s life was her family. She and Woody built a beautiful life together for 62 years, raising one daughter; owning many cats, dogs, and a bird; visiting all 50 states; and later helping to raise twin granddaughters. Their house on Lake Norman was always open to family and friends, hosting annual 4th of July family reunions, Christmas parties, Thanksgiving dinners, and lazy afternoons on the water.

To know Carole was to love her. She lit up every room she was in with her smile and her sass. She loved raw oysters, cookies and cream milkshakes, and Coca-Cola. She will be greatly missed, but we take comfort in knowing she is reunited with her parents, siblings, and beloved Jesus.

The family would like to thank VIA Hospice and Palliative Care for all their support during Carole’s final months.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Carole’s name can be made to Hawthorne Lane United Methodist Church. 

The family will receive friends at Hawthorne Lane United Methodist Church on Saturday December 2, 2023 at 1 pm. A celebration of life service will follow at 2:30 pm in the sanctuary.

Arrangements are under the direction of Hankins and Whittington Funeral Service, 1111 East Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28204.

Online condolences may be made at www.HankinsandWhittington.com.

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