Eva Ray Carroll, age 85, of the Possum Trot community, went Home to be with the Lord on Saturday, September 20th, 2025. A native of Yancey County, she was a daughter of the late Rev. Lida Ray and Edna Penland Ray. In addition to her parents she was also preceded in death by her loving husband of 67 years, Rev. Claude H. Carroll who passed away December 3rd, 2022; daughter-in-law, Gloria McCurry Carroll; and sister, Geraldine Silvers and her husband Lloyd.
Eva was a devoted Christian who faithfully served as a preacher’s wife until her husband’s passing. She dedicated many years to her community, working as a substitute teacher at East Yancey Middle School and as a lunchroom nutritionist at Mountain Heritage High School. Later in life, Eva embraced her role as a homemaker with pride and love, always ensuring her children and grandchildren were welcomed with delicious home-cooked meals. As a hobby she found joy and fulfillment in the art of floral design work. But Eva’s greatest joy came from creating lasting memories with her family.
Eva will be lovingly remembered by her son, Clay Carroll; daughter, Lucretia Hughes (Bradley); grandchildren: Evan Carroll (Kim), Gina Scharf and Lisa Huskins (Darryl) all of Burnsville, NC; great-grandchildren: Lainey, Kamryn, Noah, Tristin, Kyler, Hannah, Tamara, Crystal, Jessica and Kristian; great, great-grandchildren: Dalton, Brantlee, Hagan, Hudson, Seth and one on the way; brother, Robert Ray (Joyce); and her border collie “Bandit” who was her special companion. Numerous special nieces, great-nieces, nephews, great-nephews, cousins, friends and church family also survive.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, September 23rd, 2025, at Pleasant Valley Baptist Church. Rev. Andrew Thomas and Rev. Bobby Ray will officiate. Burial will follow in the Rupert Ray Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 1 until 2 p.m. prior to the services at the church.
The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to Compassionate Care WNC for the wonderful support and care given to Eva.
Memorial donations can be made to Hearts with Hands of Ralph Sexton Ministries at 850 Warren Wilson Road, Swannanoa, NC 28778 To send online condolences, please visit our website at www.yanceyfuneralservice.com.
