Carol Jean Wellford

Carol Jean Wellford, age 72, passed away on September 20th, 2025 in her home in Knightdale, NC. She was the wife of Chris Dunbar Wellford. They shared 48 years of marriage together.

Born in Hinsdale, IL, she was the daughter of Neil and Ruth Van Kirk. She attended Wheeling High School in Wheeling, WV and Grove City College where she obtained her liberal arts degree. She had employment history as a bookkeeper for a California realtor and Tullahoma, TN Board of Education and, in more recent years, worked as the receptionist at Merrill-Lynch wealth management division of Bank of America in Wilmington, NC.

She was a lifelong member of the Presbyterian church with most recent attendance at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church in Raleigh, NC. There, she was a member of the sanctuary choir following years of choral participation and shared her lovely soprano voice for successive congregations. She loved contemporary music, including U2 and Sting; was a superlative cook; enjoyed entertaining family and friends; was a devoted mother and grandmother; doted on her dogs and cats; and enjoyed the beach. She possessed a positive spirit and was a good friend to those who knew her.

She is survived by her spouse, Chris Dunbar Wellford; her children, Courtney Lind Wright and husband, David; Chase Campbell Wellford and wife, Stephanie; four grandchildren, Campbell and Holden Wellford, Tanner Wright, and Vivian Wright; sister, Donna Van Kirk; brother, Bob Van Kirk; as well as pets, Kiki and Pinky. She was predeceased by her brother, Phillip Van Kirk, and her parents.

A memorial service will be held at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church on 7506 Falls of Neuse Rd, Raleigh, NC 27615 on September 28th at 2pm. A reception will follow at Millbrook Manor on 1705 E Millbrook Rd, Raleigh NC 27609 from 3-6pm.

Memorial donations may be made to Family Together, PO Box 14395, Raleigh, NC 27620, or Tunnel to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Blvd, Staten Island, NY 10306 to lift families of fallen heroes.