Carol Ann Meadows, born March 27, 1945, in Bluefield, West Virginia, peacefully left this world on September 18, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.

Carol was the first-born daughter of the late Raymond Bufford Jenkins and the late Minnie Sadie O’Dell Jenkins. She was preceded in death by her sister, Shelby Jean Duncan, and her brother, Charles “Charlie” Bufford Jenkins.

Left to cherish her memory are her daughters, Tammy Renee Rubel and her husband, Ronald Rubel, and Carol Christine Bailey and her husband, Kermit Dwayne Bailey, Jr. She was the proud grandmother of Margaret Olivia Harris Leiti; Nathan Dwayne Bailey and his wife, Lexi Carter Bailey; Nicholas Dwayne Bailey; Grace Anne Bailey; and Elyse Renee Dennington. She was also blessed to be the great-grandmother of Carter James Bailey, son of Nathan and Lexi.

Family and friends are welcome to gather this Friday, October 2, at 10:00am at Roselawn Cemetery for a graveside service.

Our mom’s greatest joy was her family. We were blessed to have a mother who gave so much of herself to help us grow into the women she knew we could be. She was there for the everyday moments and the milestones—for school projects, activities, practices, performances, celebrations, and all the little things that make up a childhood. She believed in us, held us to high standards, and taught us to work hard, take responsibility, keep our word, and never give up.

For many years, Mom was a devoted stay-at-home mother and homemaker. She took great pride in maintaining an immaculate home and supporting us in every aspect of our childhood. She served as a homeroom mother, planned and worked Fall Festivals, and spent countless hours driving us wherever we needed to go. Looking back, we understand just how much of her time, energy, and heart she devoted to giving us a happy and meaningful childhood.

Mom had a rare ability to make people believe in themselves. Though shy and quiet by nature, she was fiercely protective of those she loved. When someone was hurting or being treated unfairly, her gentle nature could quickly become determined and unwavering. She believed in justice, stood up for the underdog, and never backed down when she believed something was wrong. As her daughters, we always knew Mom would be in our corner.

Following a difficult divorce, Mom entered the workforce at age 40 with resilience and determination. She began as a cashier at L&M Market in Lashmeet, West Virginia, where she found more than a job—she found people who welcomed her, supported her, and became like family. She truly loved working there, and the kindness and encouragement she received meant so much to her. Their support extended beyond the workplace, and they cared about Mom and her family as friends, not simply coworkers.

Mom later held several positions throughout her working life, including working as a Cash Vault Specialist at First Community Bank in Princeton, West Virginia. She also found happiness as a greeter and hostess at Cracker Barrel, where welcoming people came naturally to her. She enjoyed being active in her community as well, including helping serve at local Bingo nights.

As our family grew, so did Mom’s circle of love. She adored her grandchildren and treasured her time with them. To her grandchildren, she was simply “Ma-Maw,” while many beloved “bonus” grandchildren lovingly called her “Ma-Maw Carol.” She welcomed them all with an open heart, and her home, her heart, and her table always seemed to have room for one more.

Mom found happiness in simple pleasures. She loved bowling and spent several years in a league with her dear friend, Carol Shrewsbury, during the 1970s. She remained especially proud of her high score of 212. She loved to dance, and there was often music playing on the kitchen radio. An avid cake decorator, a joyful giggler, and a master at making magic from almost nothing, she had a gift for making ordinary moments memorable.

She loved airplanes, ice cream, and picnics. She was courageous, resilient, loyal, and wonderfully stubborn. She could hold a grudge longer than most, yet she was quick to see the good in people and had one of the softest hearts imaginable. Those who knew her will remember the many sides of her—the determination, the humor, the tenderness, and the unmistakable spark that made her uniquely Carol.

To us, Mom was more than our mother. She was our teacher, our protector, our encourager, and the person who showed us what it meant to keep going when life became difficult. So much of who we are is because of her.

We will remember her laughter, the music playing in the kitchen, the memories made around her table, and the countless ways she made people feel loved and cared for. Most of all, we will carry the lessons she gave us and the love she poured into our family.

Mom, there will never be enough words to tell you how much you meant to us. Thank you for every sacrifice, every lesson, every hug, every laugh, every drive, every celebration, and every time you stood beside us. Thank you for believing in us and loving us exactly as we were.

Here’s to winging it on home, Ma. Rest easy—you’ve earned it. We’ll miss you forever, love you for always, and carry you with us in everything we do.