May 29, 1938-May 24, 2025
Carol Carawon Ward passed away peacefully on May 24, 2025 at the age of 86 years old.
A devoted mother, caring wife, loving friend, and faithful Christian. Carol lived her life with joy, laughter, and a heart full of love for others. Married at 18 years old to Hubert Carawon Earl Sr. They lived and raised a family on Antioch Road in New Bern, N.C. Carol was the COO of her husband's business, Hubert Carawon Service Co., until he passed in 1979. She met John Ward a few years later and remarried.
Carol was a dedicated mother to her two children, always present and involved in their lives, from cheering in the stands at Babe Ruth baseball games, to serving as "room mom" and chaperoning school field trips. Her commitment to her family was unwavering, and she embraced every opportunity to support and celebrate her children. A member of Antioch Church since the 1960s, Carol attended services every Sunday and found great joy in the music, fellowship, and her strong faith in Jesus Christ. Her spiritual life was a cornerstone of who she was.
Carol graduated from New Bern High School in 1956 and treasured the lifelong friendships she formed there. She remained close with her classmates, meeting monthly at the Country Biscuit to share coffee, conversation, and memories. She had a deep love for sunshine, the beach, camping, and travel. Carol spent winters in Orlando, Fla., and summered at the Cullasaga River RV Park in Franklin, N.C.
She returned to New Bern 20 years ago to be closer to her friends and family. Above all, Carol loved people. She had a natural warmth and sense of humor that drew others in, and she built lasting friendships wherever she went. Her laughter was contagious, and her presence filled every room with light. Carol's legacy is one of kindness, faith, and deep love for others. She will be missed dearly and remembered fondly by all who had the privilege of knowing her.
She was preceded in death by her father, Raymond H. Hardman Sr.; her mother, Gertrude Hyder Hardman; her husband, Hubert Earl Carawon Sr. (d.1979); her husband, John Ward (d.2016); her brother, Raymond H. Hardman Jr.; and her son, Hubert Earl "Butch" Carawon Jr.
She is survived by her sister, Linda Sue "Suzy" Pickle; her daughter, Kimberly Carawon Stilley (Gary); stepchildren, Edward Thomas Ward Jr. (Audria) and Linda Ward Overton (Harold); her daughter-in-law, Susan Bode Carawon; two grandchildren; and five stepgrandchildren.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to her caretaker, Angela Gaines, for her devoted services.
Family will receive visitors before the service at 1 p.m. on Sunday, June 1, at Greenleaf Memorial Park Lakeside Chapel.
Funeral service is at 2 p.m. on Sunday, June 1, at Greenleaf Memorial Park Lakeside Chapel.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Antioch Freewill Baptist Church, at 762 Antioch Road, New Bern, N.C., 28560.
Online Condolences can be made by visiting www.cottenfuneralhome.com. Cotten Funeral Home is honored to serve the family and friends of Carol Carawon Ward.