Carolyn (Carol) Faye Stroud Hardison, 74, of Kinston, passed away peacefully on December 16, 2018. Carol was born on June 26, 1944 to the late Leslie Ray Stroud Sr. and Barbara Barwick Stroud. Carol’s husband Doug Hardison preceded her in death on February 10, 2015. The couple was married for 52 years.

Carol was a devoted and loving wife, mother, grandma and great grandma. Carol loved spending time with her family and friends. She was so proud of her family. Holidays were always special and just the reason for everyone to gather at her home and enjoy her great cooking. Christmas was her very favorite holiday and her home reflected this. Carol loved beautiful, bright shiny decorations and every room had a Christmas touch. If she could add lights to the décor, it made her even happier.

Carol always worked hard, whether at home or on the job. She loved flowers and could grow anything. Carol was also a talented seamstress and cake decorator. Carol loved to bargain hunt and could find the most beautiful treasures. She could find the best bargain in any store.

Even after being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, Carol was lively, active and full of joy. Her spirit shined through in everything and everyone she touched. Her heart was pure gold and her smile could light up the darkest day. It was rare to see her without her gorgeous smile.

Throughout her life she maintained her grace, dignity and strength. Her battle with Alzheimer’s became a journey for everyone that loved and cared for her.

Carol, a Godly woman, attended Bethel Free Will Baptist Church for over 30 years. Most recently she went to Jackson Heights Church. Carol is sharing her joy and smile in Heaven now.

A service to celebrate and honor Carol’s life will be Thursday, December 20, 2018 from 6-8 p.m. at Edwards Funeral Home. Reverends Bert Potter and Justin Barnett will be officiating her funeral on Friday, December 21 at 11 a.m. at Jackson Heights Original Free Will Baptist Church. She will be laid to rest following the funeral service at Westview Cemetery.

Carol is survived by her three children, Douglas Kent Hardison and wife Caroline, Lesley Hardison Langley and husband Ed III, and David James Hardison and wife Stephanie; six grandchildren, Michael Langley and wife Emily, Ashton Hardison, Sarah Hardison, Katlyn Hardison Taylor and husband Jacob, Gavin Hardison, Hunter Langley and Elle Hardison; one great grandchild, Katherine James Taylor; three siblings Marie Price, Franklin Stroud and William Stroud; sisters-in-law Linda Holmes, Janet Griffen and Lola Mae Hardison. In addition to her parents and husband, Carol was preceded in death by five siblings Leslie Stroud Jr., Helen Grayson, Lemuel Stroud, Judy Croom and Dorothy Alphin.

Carol was cared for with more love than is imaginable. A special thanks to Sarah Hardison, granddaughter, for being the main caregiver over the last 4 years of this journey. Thank you to Ann Moody, Kathy Smith, Susie Mitchell, and Kathryn Danielson for their role as caregiver as well. A special thanks to Vidant Hope Inpatient Hospice for their care and support in final days as Carol transitioned to her new heavenly home.

Carol blessed us all and we were lucky to be with her and to know her.

The family will be at her home, 198 Cobb Rd., Kinston, NC. Memorials can be made to Vidant Hope Hospice Home, 920 Wellness Drive, Greenville, NC.

Arrangements by Edwards Funeral Home & Cremations. Online condolences may be expressed at www.edwardsfhc.com.