Mrs. Carol Ann (Gaines) Blackmon, of West End, North Carolina entered into eternal rest on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, at Dahlia Gardens Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation in Aberdeen, North Carolina. 

Carol Ann Blackmon, 80, passed away on October 21, 2025, in Dahlia Gardens Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation in Aberdeen, NC. She was born in Pinehurst, NC, to the late Sandy Gaines, Sr, and Gladys Russell on April 14, 1945. She was married to Edward Blackmon. 

“Choc,” as she was affectionately known by family and friends, attended Academy Heights School. Choc was the neighborhood childcare provider who lovingly cared for generations of children.  She was well known throughout Taylortown, dedicating over 50 years to nurturing and guiding young lives, earning a reputation as a dependable, caring, and deeply trusted member of the community.

She was also known as the neighborhood banker. If someone was in need and she had it to give, she would give without hesitation. Her heart was always open, and her generosity touched  everyone who crossed her path. Family meant everything to Carol. During her children’s younger years, and even after they were grown with families of their own, her home was the heart of  family gatherings and holidays. Carol B’s house was truly the place to be. Even those who had moved away would make a point of stopping by to visit her, whenever they returned to the  community.

When Carol accepted Christ, she became a devoted woman of God. She loved the Lord wholeheartedly and was known as a prayer warrior, a woman of quiet strength and deep faith. Though  she spoke few words, her presence and prayers spoke volumes.  

When Carol’s health began to decline, and she was placed in a nursing home, God continued to show her favor. The staff  quickly grew to love her, even when certain foods were restricted, Carol somehow always managed to have a little treat, thanks to the kindness of the staff, friends, and family who visited her  often. The staff spoke very highly of “Ms. Blackmon,” sharing how her gentle smile, warm heart, and comforting presence brightened their days. Carol was truly one of a kind, sweet, yet strong,  quiet, yet full of life; her smile, her love, and her spirit will be deeply missed. We love you, Carol, and we will always miss you. 

Carol was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Edward Blackmon, her daughters, Kathy Blackmon and Cicely Blackmon, two sisters, Evelyn Person and Doretha Gaines, four  brothers, Jessie Gaines, Sandy George Gaines Jr., Sylvester Gaines, and Thomas Ray.

Left with fond memories of Carol are her children, Joyce Blackmon, Patsy Cotton (William), Charles Blackmon (Monique), and Tasha Blackmon; a daughter in love, Roslyn Kettle (Leroy); one  sister, Mary Williams; three brothers, Richard Gaines (Pat), Jasper Ray and Roscoe Ray; one brother-in-law, Bobby Person; twenty-grandchildren; fourteen great-grandchildren; and host of loving nieces and nephews, who adored her.

Carol’s legacy of love, faith, and kindness will live on through all those whose lives she touched.

Please keep the family and friends of Mrs. Carol Ann (Gaines) Blackmon in your thoughts and prayers. 

Arrangements are entrusted to McLeod Funeral Home of Sanford, North Carolina.