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Carol Lynn Hartley Featherstone, born April 12th, 1960, aged 61, of Salisbury, NC, passed away unexpectedly on June 24th, 2021, after a prolonged illness at Novant Health Medical Center in Salisbury, NC.
Carol was raised in the Rowan-Salisbury Schools and was a 1978 graduate of North Rowan High School. She was a proud member of the North Rowan Concert Band, playing flute under the direction of Charles Dunlap. She was also a rifle girl in the 350-member Marching Cavaliers and performed in the Orange Bowl Parade in Miami, Florida on New Year’s Eve 1974.
Carol loved to sing and had such a beautiful voice. She sang with her sister (Deborah Hartley) at the Christians Woman’s Club, and their favorite song to sing was “The Sisters Act” from the movie “White Christmas”, which they performed with fans. She also sang with her mother (Ann Hartley), and her two sisters (Anita & Deborah Hartley) in the Hartley Quartet at First Baptist Church of Salisbury. Carol was raised at the Mt. Tabor Methodist Church and attended the local Christian Youth Ranch as a teenager. It was there that she accepted Christ as her personal savior.
Marrying her high school sweetheart, James Paul Featherstone III, they raised two sons, Jeremy Michael Featherstone and Robert James Featherstone. After returning from California and purchasing her grandmother’s farmhouse, Carol studied nursing at Rowan-Cabarrus Community College, became a CNA II, and worked as a home health nurse for many years following. James said that she was the love of his life – she was his “honey”.
Carol loved the ocean so very much and her sister, Anita Hartley remembers fondly a time they “borrowed” their dad’s blue truck and took an impromptu trip to the beach for a few days. Their dad was out of town for a week, and he was none the wiser. She particularly loved visiting Emerald Isle and during the 8 years that her son, Jeremy Featherstone lived there, she traveled often to visit multiple times per year, and was also there for the birth of her first granddaughter, Layni Featherstone. She had a very special bond with Emerald Isle dating all the way back to 1983, when she returned from California and would visit James’ family there every summer.
Carol also loved to cook and was famous in the family for many of her dishes but, more particularly, her homemade potato salad. It was always requested at every family gathering, holiday meal, and family cook out.
She was the biggest fan of her sons (Jeremy & Robby) and brothers (John) bands, she came to every show that was played locally, and if they were playing a very large special event, that was out of town, in front of a large crowd, she would always travel to attend and show support. She always displayed the loudest verbal applause of anyone out in the crowd, no matter how large the crowd was. In fact, in many of the live recording’s at large venues, you can always hear her over everyone else in the crowd.
Preceding her in death were her paternal grandparents: Clarence and Lela Monroe Hartley, her maternal grandparents: Harry and Helen Davidson Fisher, and parents: Robert and Ann Fisher Hartley.
Surviving to cherish her memory are James Paul Featherstone III; sons, Jeremy Michael Featherstone (granddaughter – Layni Elizabeth Featherstone) and Robert James Featherstone (grandson – Robert James Featherstone II and granddaughter – Emma Marie Featherstone); sister, Deborah Ann Hartley Garrigues (husband – Dr. Bradford C. Garrigues); brother, John Richard Hartley, and sister, Anita Diann Hartley.
In lieu of flowers: a donation may be made to the School of Rock in Wake Forest, NC where Layni Featherstone is a student or charitywater.org, which provides clean water wells to people who are less fortunate.
Carolina Cremation is assisting the Featherstone family. Online condolences may be made at www.carolinacremation.com.
Kathy and Edward Patterson says
So sorry Debbie for your loss.
Ellen - The Netherlands says
Carol will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her. May you all find comfort in your many memories of Carol.
My families hearts are with you and your family, may Carol Rest In Peace. ❤️
Greg Allen says
What a very full and fulfilled time Carol had in this life. I fondly recall her spirit, humor, huge smile and that wonderful laugh of hers. My prayers for your entire family in finding peace.
Terresa G. Denton says
My prayers to you and your family. I have such fond memories of Carol, especially in the band and on the rifle squad together. We will see each other again!!!!
Patti Watkins says
What a sweet person. RIP
Donna V. Allen says
Praying for Peace and Comfort for You and Your Family.Carol never met a stranger and always had that Beautiful Smile…….
Beverly Gunn Barham says
Such sweet memories of our times together in high school, the band and of course, the rifle squad. I have always treasured our friendship. Carol’s beaming smile is what always comes to mind when I think of her. May God comfort her family as they celebrate her home going.
Sandra Benfield Bradley says
So sorry to hear this news! Debbie you and Carol’s family are in my prayers! Carol was a sweetheart and lived a good life! I remember coming over and spending the night when we were young girls! Beautiful memories you all have of her!!! She is gone way too soon but not forgotten!
Trudy Gale says
Prayers for the Hartley and Featherstone families. I’m so sorry to hear of Carol’s passing.
Gaynell Leazer Lambert says
I am truly sorry that Carol flew away! I remember Carol’s bright smile and her contagious laughter, and I always will. She could light up any room!
The Hartley & Featherstone families have my prayers & heartfelt sympathy.
Susan Turner says
I was SO very sorry to hear the sad news about Carol. I had lost touch with Carol but I greatly appreciated her support as a good friend for many years. She was a beautiful soul and will be sorely missed. My heartfelt sympathies go out to both families.
Patti Secreast says
Prayers for the family of this special lady who lived a meaningful life and blessed those around her.
Darrell Brown says
I’m so very sorry to hear of Carol’s passing. I have many fond memories of her from high school. Only saw her a few times after that, but every time I was greeted with a huge smile and a warm hug. I’m sorry you left way to soon Carol. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Rodney Curlee says
Dear Jimmy, sons, grandchildren & Harley family I just learned of Carol’s death, my heart & prayers go out to each of you. Carol was a very sweet young lady & good friend. May God be with each & everyone of you.
Debbie Poole Counadis says
I’m so sorry to be late in contacting you. So sad to hear about Carol. I have so many memories of her and with her. Most of my high school memories involve Carol. This is such a beautiful tribute to her. Thank you for this. Debbie Poole Counadis
Meloney Everhart says
I loved Carol.,She was a good friend for A lot of years, we had many crazy, laughing, and loving memories. Her body may be gone but she will always be in our Hearts! I’m so sorry Debbie, Jimmie, children, and great grandchildren for your loss.