Rocky Mount -

Carol Barnes Whitehurst, age 76, peacefully entered into the presence of her Savior in the early morning hours of Saturday, May 23, 2026, at home under hospice care, with her devoted husband by her side and surrounded by the love of her family.

Born January 19, 1950, in Rocky Mount, NC, Carol was the daughter of the late Louis Douglas and Kathleen Coggins Barnes. She graduated from Rocky Mount Senior High School and East Carolina University and devoted much of her life to education as a high school math teacher and later an elementary school teacher’s assistant.

Faith and service were woven throughout Carol's life. As a lifelong member of First Baptist Church of Rocky Mount, she faithfully served in many roles through the years. Having grown up participating in Sunday School and GAs (Girls' Auxiliary), she later found great joy in leading both ministries. She also loved participating in the handbell choir, supporting missions, and serving faithfully in many church ministries. Her servant's heart extended beyond the church through volunteer work with schools, senior centers, Meals on Wheels, blood drives, and other community activities.

Carol's greatest joy was the family she built with her husband, Lomer. Their story began with a blind date and quickly grew into a love that would last a lifetime. Engaged only three months after meeting, they shared 54 years of marriage filled with love, faith, and friendship.

Those who knew Carol will remember her warm smile and compassionate heart. She found joy in life's simple pleasures, from getting lost in a good book and watching her favorite BBC shows to spending treasured time with those she loved most, especially her grandsons.

In addition to her parents, Carol was preceded in death by her brother, Louis Douglas Barnes, Jr.

Carol leaves behind those she loved most: her husband, Lomer Hayes Whitehurst, Jr.; her daughters, Elizabeth Whitehurst Overman and husband Casey, and Lauren Hayes Whitehurst; her three grandsons, Grant, Carter, and Weston Overman; her brother, Stephen Joseph Barnes and wife Cindy; her sister-in-law, Sheila Barnes; and many beloved nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

The family will host a memorial service celebrating Carol's life on Saturday, May 30, at 3:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Rocky Mount with Reverend William V. Grisham officiating. Family and friends are invited to visit with the family beginning at 2:00 p.m., prior to the service.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to 3HC Hospice and the wonderful staff for their loving care of Carol and compassionate support of Lomer during the last six months.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Carol's honor to 3HC, c/o Philanthropy Department, 2402 Wayne Memorial Drive, Goldsboro, NC 27534.