Jennifer Carico, age 41, passed away unexpectedly at her home on Tuesday, August 19th, 2025. Born and raised in Dayton, Ohio, she was the beloved daughter of Elaine Trader Hanvey of Dayton, OH and the late Jerry Hanvey. In her teenage years, she cherished traveling between Dayton and Scottsboro, Alabama, where she spent time with her paternal grandparents. These early years helped cultivate her deep love of the outdoors.
Jennifer was adventurous and full of spirit; she was an avid fisher, enjoyed camping, and had a solicitous love for animals, especially her cat.
Nearly ten years ago, Jennifer and her three children moved to the beautiful mountains of Avery County, North Carolina. There they found a home and a close-knit community that not only embraced the Carico family with open arms, but also supported them. Jennifer’s love for the outdoors continued to flourish here in the Blue Ridge Mountains. She found joy in tending to her vegetable and flower gardens, which eventually inspired her to pursue a career in floral design.
She found her calling as a florist and worked tirelessly to become the manager of the floral department at Lowe’s Foods in Banner Elk. She truly loved her work and found fulfillment in capturing the earth’s natural beauty through flowers. Above all, Jennifer will be remembered as a devoted and loving mother. Her children will always hold close the memory of how she listened with compassion, supported them through every challenge, and worked tirelessly to provide a good life for them.
In addition to her mother Jennifer is survived by her three cherished children: Brianna, Josh and Jonah, all of Banner Elk, NC; her brother, Jeremy Hanvey of Dayton, OH; and her nephews, Jaden and Jaxon Hanvey. She also leaves behind extended family and many dear friends who will miss her presence greatly.
A graveside service will be held at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, August 27th, 2025 at the First Baptist Church Cemetery of Newland, located at 284 Elk Park Hwy, Newland, NC 28657. The cemetery will be the first turn on the right, upon turning onto Glenview Road, located directly across from the entrance to Mountain Glenn Gold Club.
Memorial donations to support the family may be made through the funeral home’s website on Jennifer’s tribute wall at www.yanceyfuneralservice.com. Yancey Funeral Services is honored to serve the Carico family during this time.
