Carol Jarvis Cox

Carol Jarvis Cox, 72, affectionately known as “Ma’ams,” passed away peacefully on October 15, 2026, at her home in Raleigh, North Carolina, during the golden hour, surrounded by her family.

Carol was born on March 15, 1954, in Raleigh, North Carolina, to Kenneth “Happy” Jarvis, a Navy pilot, and Thelma “GGma” Jarvis, an Olympic diver. She attended Millbrook High School and graduated from Western Carolina University.

Carol poured her heart into her family. As a stay-at-home mom, she homeschooled all four of her children, giving them not only an education but a home full of love and music. She adored Jesus, and her faith shaped the open-handed way she lived, always giving of her time.

Music was one of Carol’s greatest joys. She loved to sing, could play any instrument, and was especially gifted on the guitar. She also loved to dance, hike, and play pickleball and tennis. In quieter moments, she enjoyed watching a movie or working on a puzzle (crossword or jigsaw). She had a soft spot for animals of every kind, especially dogs, horses, and turtles.

Outgoing, warm, and wonderfully laid-back, Carol never met a stranger. Her home had an open door, with people always coming and going, and nothing brought her more joy than hosting.

Carol is survived by her husband, Ron; her children, Lindsey and her husband Josh, Jessie and her husband Bryan, Becky and her husband Aaron, and Aldo and his wife Nicole; her oodles of grandchildren, Ever, Fallon, Thatcher, Porter, Sawyer, Atticus, Samantha, and Miles; her granddogs, Rue, Pickles, and Cowboy; as well as her brothers, Ken Jarvis and his wife Jane, and Roy Jarvis. She was preceded in death by her parents, Kenneth and Thelma Jarvis.

A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, November 15, 2026, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at the Thomas G. Crowder Woodland Center, 5611 Jaguar Park Drive, Raleigh, North Carolina 27606. In place of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Samaritan’s Purse in Carol’s memory.

The family is deeply grateful to the many family members and friends who surrounded Carol with love and care in her final days.

Before every big gathering, Carol asked us to be there for “the last hour,” on standby for whatever last-minute task needed doing. We were with her during her last hour, and are so very grateful for every hour that came before. Now she is singing with the Lord.