Carole Anne Hawthorne Stanley, 80, of South Hill, Virginia, passed away peacefully on July 20, 2026, with her family by her side. Born on January 5, 1946, Carole celebrated her final sunset on earth knowing she was surrounded by the love of those she cherished.

Carole was the beloved daughter of Lawrence “Pike” Holland Hawthorne and Pansy Anne Atkinson Hawthorne. She was raised in a loving Christian home that led her to accept Christ at an early age. Her faith in the Lord remained constant in her life, sustaining her through every season until the day He called her home. Her faith laid the foundation for a life marked by compassion, kindness, generosity, and an unwavering love for others. The impact of those qualities will continue to shine brightly for many years to come.

The absolute perfect personality, Carole was the first face welcoming newcomers into the community as the local Welcome Wagon hostess (iykyk). She worked in the family business of music, selling many records and albums while serving as the official Spanish translator for South Hill Music Company. A gifted salesperson with a warm personality, she later joined her dear friend Tania Tripp selling lake lots at St. Tammany Landing before finding her place in real estate. Carole worked alongside Rick Cutler as his Executive Secretary long before such positions became commonplace, creating years of treasured friendships and memories. She later became part of the Beth Cook and Beth Smith Team, which eventually became EXIT Realty, all along enjoying her time at Brian’s Steak House holding the title of social director, connecting people and making friends the old fashion way. Even years later, many people would tell her family, “Your mom was the very first person I ever met when I moved to South Hill.”

Although she held several professions throughout her life, Carole’s greatest calling was being a mother. She devoted herself to raising her three sons and welcoming their many friends into her home and heart.

Carole never met a stranger. Her home became a refuge for countless people over the years, offering comfort, encouragement, and shelter whenever it was needed. She had an extraordinary gift for making people feel welcome.

Carole will be remembered for the countless memories she created with family, friends, and neighborhood children. She was the Mom driving everyone’s kids to the swimming pool, the skating rink, trips to Americamps, the Big Tee, and the drive-in theater, where blankets on the ground often made for the best seats in the house. More than a few adventures included picking up hitchhikers, and on occasion, a spirited Chinese fire drill that may or may not have left an underage driver behind the wheel. Those moments
reflected her adventurous spirit, infectious sense of humor, and ability to turn ordinary days into lifelong memories.

Forty-six years ago, Carole found the love of her life in Lee Roy Carter, and together they shared a lifetime of love, companionship, laughter, and unwavering devotion. Carole leaves behind her love Lee Roy Carter, cherished sons, William Thomas “T3” Stanley III (Beth), Steven Clark Stanley (Vonda), and Matthew Holland Stanley, her beloved grandchildren, Jonathan Clark Stanley, Morgan Elizabeth Stanley, Ethan Hawthorne Stanley, Nicole Alexandra Stanley, her nieces Lisa Holland Hawthorne and Sandra Lynn Hawthorne, grandniece Emily Holland Alexander and the many, many “second children” who lovingly considered Carole their own mom. While impossible to list them all by name, each one held a special place in her heart.
She was preceded in death by her loving parents, Lawrence “Pike” and Pansy Anne Atkinson Hawthorne, older brother Laurence Owen Hawthorne, and by her larger-than-life, dearly loved brother, Steven Lee Hawthorne. Carole’s earthly journey has witnessed its final sunrise and sunset, but her family finds peace in the Promise of eternal life through Jesus Christ. Though her presence will be deeply missed, her love, laughter, generosity, unwavering faith, and the countless memories she created will continue to live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her. In keeping with Carole’s own words and the way she lived her life:

“Don’t cry for me when I’m gone. Celebrate the good times and pass on the love you have and have received… it’s all about the love.”

The family will welcome friends and loved ones for visitation on Sunday, August 2, 2026 at New Hope Baptist Church at 2:00 pm, with a celebration of life at 3:00 pm, followed by food and fellowship at the church fellowship hall. Memorial considerations should be directed to Mecklenburg County Cancer Association, PO Box 94, Clarksville, VA 23927. Crowder-Hite-Crews of South Hill is serving the Stanley family.