Carole Walker Sorrells

Carole Walker Sorrells, age 85, passed away peacefully at her home in Weaverville, NC, on March 19, 2026, surrounded by her loving family and hospice care. Born in Danville, VA, Carole was the only child of the late James Carroll Walker and Phyllis Cotance Winstead Walker, and the stepdaughter of the late Evelyn Hooper Walker. She grew up in Roxboro, NC, graduating from Roxboro High School in 1958. Carole attended Greensboro College before transferring and graduating from Peace College, in Raleigh. Carole’s life changed forever when she met Malcolm Edwin Sorrells of Asheville, NC at the Azalea Festival in Wilmington, NC. The two were married in Raleigh in 1961 while Malcolm was finishing his degree at North Carolina State University. They shared 50 exciting years of marriage until Malcolm’s passing in 2012. Throughout her professional life, Carole worked as a secretary for North Western Insurance, Ball Corporation, and First Union Banking across the Asheville and Charlotte areas. However, her greatest pride was her family. She raised her children in Charlotte, Asheville, and Raleigh, instilling in them a love for family and community. Carole was a woman of many passions. She was an avid golfer, enjoyed tennis, and was a longtime member of the Asheville Country Club. She cherished her "House Boat Friends" and their many trips, as well as her bi-annual beach getaways with childhood friends. Whether it was international travel, business trips with Malcolm, or mountain drives and picnics, Carole found joy in the journey. Above all, she loved supporting her grandchildren at their school and sporting events and celebrating every holiday and birthday with those she loved. She was also a dedicated member of the Loyalty Bible Study Group at First Baptist Church of Asheville. Carole is survived by her son, James (Jamie) Sorrells and his wife Kym; grandsons Walker Edward Sorrells and Brayden Woodard Sorrells; and Kym’s mother, Sue Stout, who became a close friend to Carole. She is also survived by her daughter, Kim Shelton and her husband Mike; and granddaughters Olivia Anne Shelton and Alixanna Carolee Shelton. Her memory is further cherished by Kym’s children Katelynn Smiley, Lauren Smiley, and Trent Smiley, who treasured the decade they spent as family. The family wishes to express a special thank you to Carole’s dedicated caregiver, Shelley Jones, for her unwavering support and compassion during her final days. The family will receive friends at Morris Funeral Home in Asheville, NC between 3:00 pm and 5:00 pm on Saturday, April 25, 2026. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to an animal shelter of your choice, in honor of Carole’s love for all creatures. Reception to follow at the Country Club of Asheville.

Tributes

Carole Walker Sorrells

August 6, 1940 - March 20, 2026