Carol Reynolds, 85, of Whispering Pines, NC, passed away peacefully at her home July 8, 2023.
She was born July 9, 1937 at St. Ann’s Hospital in Chicago, IL to parents, Violet and Paul Becker.
Carol moved to Dayton, OH at age 2, along with her sister, Betty and brother, Jack.
She graduated from Julienne High School in 1955.
She married Jack Swartzel in 1956 and they had 4 sons, Christopher – 1957, Andrew – 1958, Michael – 1959, and James – 1964.
Carol remarried in 1966 to Howard Reynolds which included his children, Charlene and William.
Carol was a creative and ambitious soul. She loved to try new adventures. She started CR Ceramics in Hudson, OH. Also was an elected Poll Chairman there. In Wilmington, NC, she became a Master Gardner and she opened C&H Nursery specializing in Azaleas.
After moving to Sunrise, FL., she received a Medical Assistant Degree. Next they moved to Virginia Beach, VA, where Carol’s love for sewing flourished. She loved working at JoAnn Fabrics and had a side business of giving sewing lessons. After surviving 3 hurricanes in South Gulf Cove, FL in 2006, they relocated to their 9th and final home in Whispering Pines, NC.
She joined the Sandhills Quilt Guild and her passion for quilting and embroidery thrived. She belonged to the Sew and Sew Bee, and the Longarm Quilters Group. She co-led taking care of the guilds books as a librarian for almost 7 years. She also co-led the making of Comfort Quilts for guild members that had a hospital stay or lost a spouse.
Though Carol had many health challenges, she always bounced back with flying colors, a true testament of her fortitude. She also loved, loved, loved her powdered donuts, chocolate chip cookies, ice cream sundaes, and onion rings!
Towards the end of her life she repeated occasionally, “I’ve had a very, very good life” and “I did it my way.”
Her ultimate wish at the end was to join her husband, sons, and many pets in the presence of the Lord.
You can bet, as she used to say…is in “hog heaven” right now.
She is greatly missed by Andy and his family, Jim and Karen, Charlene and her family, many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and a multitude of wonderful friends.
Services are entrusted to Boles Funeral Home of Southern Pines.
