Ms. Carol Ann Elam, 65, of Asheville, North Carolina (formerly of Southern Pines) entered into eternal rest on Wednesday, February 8, 2023, at Mission Hospital in Asheville, North Carolina.

Carol Ann Elam was born on March 29, 1957, in Colorado Springs, CO, to Elvis Joe Hunter and Richardean Elam. She was called home from this life to eternal rest on Wednesday, February 8, 2023.

Most recently, she resided in Asheville, NC, where she was happy and lived in a peaceful community with her dog Gracie.

She was raised in Jersey City, NJ, where she graduated from Lincoln High School. She enjoyed swimming and participated in the Band Majorettes. As she grew up in Jersey City, she joined and became an active member of Calvary CME Church. She participated in the youth programs and represented the church youth at conferences, was a member of the young adult choir, and served as secretary for the Sunday School program.

After high school, her love for her maternal grandparents in Colorado Springs led her back there to start her adult life. She met and married Earl Bennett, and, as an army wife, she lived in Germany for several years and later returned to the United States. Upon their return to the US, she had the pleasure of residing in many states, such as Virginia, New Jersey, Oklahoma, and North Carolina. They later divorced. However, two daughters were born to the union, Ebony and Portia Bennett.

Carol was preceded in death by her father, Elvis Joe Hunter, and her precious dog “Poncho.”

She leaves to mourn: her mother, Richardean Tyler of Milan, TN; two daughters, Ebony Bennett of Savannah, GA and Portia Bennett of Southern Pines, NC; one sister, Carmen Tyler Best of Missouri City, TX; five grandchildren, Jayden Carroll of Ft. Lauderdale, FL, Elijah, Jordan, Princess King, and Darius Spinks Jr. of Southern Pines; a niece, Chantay Best of Arlington, TX; a nephew, Steven Tyler Best of Missouri City, TX; an aunt, Carla Elam-Floyd of Denver, CO; her uncles, Sam Elam (Linda) of Lexington, TN, and Bill Elam of Cedar Rapids, IA; special nieces and nephew, Joyce Capel, Anita Person, and Christan Terry and many cousins and friends.

Please keep the family and friends of Ms. Carol Ann Elam in your thoughts and prayers. 

McLeod Funeral Home believes in placing your safety first. For the safety of you and those around you, masks are required before entering the building.

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