Carol Kelley Bartholomew

Carol was born December 9, 1941 to the late Jewell and Thomas Kelley in Raleigh NC. She graduated from Millbrook High School in 1960, where she was a cheerleader and Homecoming Queen. Upon graduating she married Rudy Bartholomew of Raleigh NC. After moving from Raleigh to Atlanta as a young mom, she began a career with General Electric in Marketing where she retired in 2008. She was an active church member and enjoyed hosting international students.

After retiring, she returned briefly to Raleigh before relocating to Philadelphia, near family. She was a member of City Church, where countless church gatherings featured her famous desserts. She also attended Community Bible Study in Ardmore, PA and continued with them via zoom even after relocating in 2021 to Charlottesville, VA. She enjoyed playing Tennis, beach walking, collecting shells and sea glass. She enjoyed the outdoors, loved antiques and collected McCoy pottery.

Her grandchildren, Connor, Tucker, Emalyn, Thomas, Noah, Jonah, Jacob, Stephen and Hunter have wonderful memories of beach trips which included her quickly disappearing sugar cookies and her vigilant presence near the edge of the water.

Despite a devastating diagnosis of ALS in 2021, Carol persevered with resolve and therapy through resulting losses, determined to be present to her family and enjoy her life. She succeeded at both, attending Bible Study and laughing with her grandchildren in her final week of life. Her example of grace and faith in the midst of such a difficult struggle leaves a profound legacy for her family and friends.

The family deeply appreciates Sisters Who Care for their beautiful work of service and care over Carol’s final months.

She is survived by four beloved sons, Tuck and Stacy Bartholomew of Charlottesville VA, Mark and Melanie Bartholomew of Atlanta GA, Todd and Erin Bartholomew of Indianapolis, IN and David Bartholomew and his husband, David Rarick of Chicago IL, nine grandchildren, and her brother, Thomas Kelley of Raleigh.

A funeral service was held on Thursday, October 19, 2023 in the Mausoleum Chapel of Raleigh Memorial Park. Burial followed in the cemetery.

In Lieu of flowers, the family asks you to consider a donation to either All Blessings Flow, a non-profit organization in Charlottesville VA dedicated to helping families in need of medical supplies and equipment, or the ALS foundation with national and local chapters. Links to both charities are posted below, under "Donations'.

If you would like to leave a favorite memory / story of Carol, of a message of condolence for her family, you may do so below within 'Add a Memory'.