Carol Ann Cole

Carol Ann (Smith) Cole, 84, died on October 12, 2024, under hospice care at Catawba Memorial Hospital in Hickory, North Carolina. In the last years of her life, her home was Abernethy Laurels Retirement Community, in nearby Newton.

Predeceased by Lynn, her husband of 62 years, Carol is survived by three children: David Cole, North Carolina (wife Michelle); Phyllis Cole-Dai, South Dakota (husband Jihong); and Barry Cole, Colorado (wife Melissa). She also has nine grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren.

Carol was born on December 31, 1939, in Wood County, Ohio, to Warren Smith and Jeanette (Oberholtzer) Smith. She was the baby sister of Ralph, Joann (Stram), and Janet (Mains). Joann survives, in Findlay, Ohio.

Shortly after graduating from Mt. Blanchard High School in 1957, Carol married Lynn. Together they established Cole Swine Farms, Inc., which operated until 1997. During that period, she was heavily involved in the Mt. Blanchard United Methodist Church as well as a rich variety of other organizations.

In 1997, Carol and Lynn moved to Oneida Baptist Institute in Oneida, Kentucky. Carol first managed the school’s craft house/gift shop, then became the school’s food services director.

In 2009, the couple retired to Morganton, North Carolina, near their elder son David and his family. Carol was active in service to that community, especially at St. Matthew’s United Methodist Church, until she and Lynn transitioned into elder care.

Throughout her life, Carol was fond of trying different forms of artwork—fancy papercutting, watercolor painting, wood-burning, acrylic painting, sketching, making handmade greeting cards, drying gourds to transform into art objects . . . She delighted in gifting her creations to other people.

In every task she undertook, Carol could be counted on to keep her word, give her best effort, be creative in her approach, and wrap others in kindness. She was a quiet, private person, but she had a huge heart. If she believed in a cause, she wasn’t afraid to step up and lead. At Abernethy Laurels, she was called “Mama Cole” because she so thoughtfully tended her fellow residents. She even assisted the staff members she knew best, volunteering practical suggestions and hands-on support.

Carol’s family deeply appreciates the staff at Abernethy Laurels for caring so compassionately for both her and Lynn during their residency there. They also wish to express their gratitude to the wonderful medical personnel at Catawba Memorial Hospital and Comfort Care for so tenderly easing Carol’s passage from this life.

Carol’s ashes will be inurned beside Lynn’s at Riverview Cemetery near Mt. Blanchard. A private celebration of her life will be held by the immediate family at a future date.

The family invites Carol’s relatives and friends to leave expressions of love and condolence on this website. In lieu of flowers, you’re invited to make a gift to Hospice Foundation of America, 1707 L Street NW, Suite 220, Washington, DC 20036. You may donate online at https://givedirect.org/hfa/.