April 5, 2025, 85, Goldsboro —
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Carolyn I. Westbrook, a vibrant and faithful Christian who touched the lives of so many. Carolyn, 85, passed away peacefully on April 5, 2025, surrounded by her family.
Born in Goldsboro in 1939 to Carl and Floy Ingram, Carolyn grew up learning the value of hard work that comes from living on a farm. She graduated from Rosewood High School and went on to Wayne Community College, taking classes that would secure a job in the office of the Coca-Cola Distributing Company. It was here that she met the love of her life and widower Leo, and soon they were married in 1959. Carolyn not only became a wife, but a stepmom to Leo’s children, Wayne and Mike. The family soon grew with the addition of Cary and Sherri.
She returned to school, earning her license in Cosmetology, and became a hairdresser in the community. Eventually, she opened Carolyn’s Beauty Shop in her home, setting her schedule that allowed her to be at home when her children needed her. In later years, she transitioned to opportunities with the NC Department of Education and the NC Department of Transportation.
Carolyn was known for her warmth, her hugs, and infectious laughter. Her outgoing personality made her thrive in social settings, where she never met a stranger. Her caring heart to serve others showed up in her involvement with the Wayne County Home Extension Agency, and various political fundraisers, including campaigning for the late Henson P. Barnes, the American Cancer Society, and Adopt a Highway Program. Carolyn played basketball in high school, and it was this interest and the love of sports that would prevail throughout the years. While she had her favorite teams, she always cheered for the ACC. Carolyn loved to entertain and found so much joy by opening her home to guests for almost any occasion. Many of us remember the buffet style for meals, family reunions in the basement, and holiday parties at the Westbrook’s.
Carolyn’s creativity and talent was displayed in her needlepoint, ceramic painting, her doll collection, and her many acrylic canvas art. Being a breast cancer survivor, she found community with the Southeastern Oncology Painting group. Carolyn’s faith was nurtured by her husband’s guidance and early teachings of Second Baptist Church; and strengthened by the preaching of God’s Word at Grace Baptist Church. She loved her church people, her Rosewood people and everyone else in between. She connected with others by introducing herself first, having a cheerful willingness to help in any way, and always sharing a laugh with a joke. Most of all, she loved her children and grandchildren and even at the end, protected us all.
Carolyn is preceded in death by her husband, Leo Wayne Westbrook, and brother, Cedric Henry Ingram. She is survived by her son, Robert Cary Westbrook (Sarah), daughter Sherri Lynn Westbrook, stepsons Leo Wayne Westbrook Jr. (Kristin), and Joseph Michael Westbrook (Eileen); grandchildren Jeffrey Michael Westbrook, David Kyle Westbrook (Jandie), Katherine Suzanne Westbrook, Megan Daisy Milner (Glenn), and Christopher Michael Westbrook (Stephanie); great-grandchildren Cameron, Annzlee, Brynnlee, Bo, Harris, and Mary Campbell; and brother James Robey Ingram.
The family will receive friends on Friday, April 11, 2025 from 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. at Grace Baptist Church followed by a service to celebrate Carolyn’s life at 3:00 p.m. in the sanctuary. Interment will be in Evergreen Memorial Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Grace Baptist Church, 1715 Royall Avenue, Goldsboro, NC 27534.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to the loving souls of Goldsboro’s Services on Aging and Meals on Wheels; the caring staff of Sunrise of Raleigh Assisted Living, the compassionate skilled staff of Capital Nursing Home and Rehabilitation, and the faithful servant members of Grace Baptist Church.
