Rachel Carr Hood

Rachel Carr Hood, 85, of Mint Hill, North Carolina passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 23, 2023. She was born on February 16, 1938 to Bryant and Julia Carr in Atlanta, and was called their "Georgia Peach".

Upon moving to North Carolina, the Carr family lived in Marshville, Mooresville, Durham and finally Matthews. She graduated from East Mecklenburg High School and Wingate College with an Associate in Business.

Rachel began her music ministry at the age of 15 when she became the organist at Matthews Baptist Church. Her faithfulness continued as secretary and organist at Commonwealth Baptist Church for 25 years, secretary at Reedy Creek Baptist Church for 8 years and organist at Cornerstone Baptist Church for 31 years. She was also the receptionist for over 15 years at Good Offices. Her spare time was devoted to volunteering at several nursing homes where she played the piano for the residents. They became her extended family over the years.

Rachel was blessed with the God-given talent of playing the piano and organ. She loved to share her passion for music and zeal for the Lord. She played for more weddings and funerals than she could probably count. Every family gathering, would find her at the piano playing numerous songs and hymns, all from memory, never using sheet music or a hymn book.

Even though she did not have any biological children, she was known in some circles as “Mother Hood” for her nurturing qualities. She took pride in her family, supporting every accomplishment, always calling and checking on everyone with concern and loved her nieces and nephews as her own. She had many, many friendships that she treasured. In her later years, the phone was an important connection to friends and family and she always dialed everyone's number from memory.

When Rachel would visit friends or family, she would knock on the door and announce her arrival by saying "Knock! Knock!" This earned her the affectionate nickname "Knock Knock" from her great nieces and nephews.

During the last three years of Rachel's life she was a proud resident of The Little Flower Assisted Living. She developed many special friendships with the residents, their families and the staff that she cherished. Our family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff for the exceptional care that she received.

Rachel touched many lives during her time on earth. She cared for an unknown number of people by bringing food or anything that someone may need. We will never know how many lives she blessed with good food and beautiful music. She exemplified the ministry of Christ throughout her entire life and her presence will be deeply missed.

Rachel is survived by her sisters, Becky Ratliff (Jerry) and Carolyn Hollar (Ken); her brother, Bill Carr (Jan); her nephews, Randy Echerd (Kim), Chris Hollar (Jenni), Bracken Carr, David Carr (Jennifer), and John Carr; her nieces, Julie Griggs and Cynthia McKay (Mike); and many great-nieces, great-nephews, and other loving extended family members.

A Celebration of Rachel's Life will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, September 2, 2023 at Cornerstone Baptist Church, 8947 Albemarle Road, Charlotte, NC. The service will be Live Streamed through the church's website and the church's Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/cornerstonecharlotte/); video will start a little before 11:00 am. A reception will follow the service and then a graveside service will be held at 3:00 pm at Sharon Memorial Park, 5716 Monroe Road, Charlotte, NC.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Cornerstone Baptist Church-Music Ministry or Little Flower Assisted Living - Rachel Hood Memorial Fund (8700 Lawyers Road, Charlotte 28227).