Carole Raiford | Eastern North Carolina Now

    Carole Raiford was a caring mother, wife, grandmother, sister and friend. She went to be with her Lord and Savior on November 6, 2023 surrounded by her family.

    Carole was born October 6,1938 in Beaufort County, North Carolina to her parents Leslie and Emmie Hodges. Carole was the youngest of her four siblings. She grew up on a farm which helped solidify her love of animals and working with her hands. After graduating from high school Carole pursued her college education at East Carolina University where she received her degree in Business. She would then go on to use that degree to become a self employed CPA, which she did for fifty- five years and thoroughly enjoyed. Carole loved painting, drawing and upholstering, making bird houses, decorating her home and decorating and baking. She was an amazing cake decorator and used this talent for the many bake sales at her church and making her granddaughter's wedding cake and many others. Her baking and cooking talents were usd for numerous family functions. She was a world traveler and spoke highly of all the amazing states and countries she visited. She was also a lifelong volunteer at the Virginia Living Museum. Carole's love for God was constant and never wavering throughout her life. Her journey in faith began at a young age when she was baptized on August 29, 1951. Growing up in Beaufort County she was an active member of Old Ford Church and whenever she went home to visit she would return there on Sundays. She found her forever church when she moved to Newport News, VA and started attending First Christian Church. She was very active in her church community. She was a Deacon, Chairman of Community Outreach Ministries, a Board member, and active in the Christian Women's Fellowship. She was also one of the original members for the First Christian Welcome Table for Tuesday night dinners which her son Keith his wife Mitzi and grandson Dylan worked with her side by side on these and other events for the church. She was a prominent figure in numerous church organizations and activities.

    Carole was preceded in death by her parents, Leslie and Emmie Hodges; her brother Ben Hodges; her sister Opal Stallings and her husband Jim. She has left to cherish her memory her only son Keith Williams and his wife Mitzi; her grandson Dylan; her granddaughters Amanda and Amy; six great grandchildren as well as her sister Treasure Edwards, and her nephews Bobby, Les and Mac.

    The family would like to extend their immense gratitude to the Riverside Hospice Team as they were caring and loving through the whole end of life experience and we would not have made it through it without all of them; they were Awesome.

    Services will be held at W. J. Smith & Son Funeral Home. Visitation will be Friday November 17, 2023 from 6-7PM. Funeral services will be on Saturday, November 18, 2023 at 10:00AM at the funeral home with Rev. Richard Garrett presiding. The family has decided on a Private Burial. In lieu of flowers feel free to make a donation to the Alzheimer's Association at ALZ.org.