When Carolyn Bowling Byrd, a lifelong resident of Raleigh, North Carolina, died on Wednesday, August 20, 2025 at WakeMed Raleigh Hospital, the community felt a quiet ripple of loss.
She was 76, born on July 12, 1949 to parents Coy Thomas Bowling and Violet Nordan Bowling. Though the cause of death wasn’t disclosed, the family’s request for donations to the Alzheimer's Association hints at a personal battle with the disease.
Life and Legacy of Carolyn Bowling Byrd
Carolyn grew up in Wake County, a region that still feels like home to her many relatives. After graduating from a local high school, she spent decades working as a clerk at a small insurance firm, where colleagues remember her as “the one who always had a smile and a fresh batch of cookies.” She married Wayne Byrd in 1972, and together they raised two children, Lisa Byrd Penny and Jeremy Wayne Byrd. Family gatherings were often held at their Raleigh home, where the scent of fried chicken mingled with laughter from grandchildren Dawson Penny, Kacie Penny, Preston Byrd, Tori Massengil, and Hunter Bryant.
Friends say Carolyn was a “quiet pillar” of her church and neighborhood. She volunteered at the local food pantry, and after her mother’s diagnosis with Alzheimer’s, she became an advocate for seniors battling memory loss. This personal connection explains why the family now asks for contributions to the Alzheimer’s Association in lieu of flowers.
Final Arrangements and Service Details
Visitation will be held on Thursday, August 28, 2025, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM Eastern Time at Bryan-Lee Funeral Home, located at 300 E. McIver Street, Angier, North Carolina. The funeral service follows on Friday, August 29, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, 10005 Lake Wheeler Road, Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina. After the service, burial will take place at Greenlawn Memorial Gardens.
“We appreciate everyone reaching out and sharing memories of Carolyn,” a family spokesperson said in a brief statement. “Her love for family and community will live on through the lives she touched.” The spokesperson, identified only as a close relative, added that the donation address is P.O. Box 96011, Washington, DC 20090‑6011.
Family and Community Tributes
Surviving family members include husband Wayne Byrd, daughter Lisa Byrd Penny and son‑in‑law Jonathan Penny, son Jeremy Wayne Byrd with partner Patti Bryant, and sister Martha Wood and her husband Frank Wood. Pre‑deceased relatives include sister Diane Church, brother Tim Bowling, and both parents.
Local businesses have posted condolence cards at the funeral home, and the Raleigh Gazette ran a short tribute noting her commitment to the city’s senior center. The memorial page on the funeral home’s website logged 1,916 visits as of October 17, 2025, showing the reach of her network beyond the immediate towns of Angier and Fuquay‑Varina.
Connection to Alzheimer’s Advocacy
While the obituary does not detail Carolyn’s own health, the Alzheimer’s Association has been a longstanding beneficiary of her family’s philanthropy. Their national office in Chicago, Illinois, processes donations sent to the Washington, DC mailing address listed in the notice. The association’s recent report indicates that in 2024, 6.5 million Americans were living with Alzheimer’s, a figure that has risen 12 % from the previous year. Contributions like those suggested by the Byrd family help fund research and caregiver support programs.
“Every donation is a step toward a cure,” said a spokesperson for the Alzheimer’s Association when contacted for comment. “Families like the Byrds keep the conversation alive and remind us why this work matters.”
Practical Information for Attendees
- Visitation: Thursday, Aug 28, 6‑8 PM, Bryan‑Lee Funeral Home, 300 E. McIver St., Angier, NC.
- Funeral Service: Friday, Aug 29, 11 AM, Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, 10005 Lake Wheeler Rd., Fuquay‑Varina, NC.
- Burial: Greenlawn Memorial Gardens (exact plot details provided to family).
- Donations: Alzheimer’s Association, P.O. Box 96011, Washington, DC 20090‑6011.
- Parking: Both venues offer free parking; limited spaces may fill quickly after 6 PM on Aug 28.
If you’re traveling from out of town, the nearest major airport is Raleigh‑Durham International (RDU), about 25 miles from Angier. Ride‑share services operate throughout the day, and several local churches offer shuttle assistance for elderly guests.
Looking Ahead
As the community gathers to remember Carolyn, her legacy will likely inspire future volunteer drives at the local senior center and perhaps spur more families to support Alzheimer’s research. The Byrd family has hinted at establishing a small scholarship in her name at the local community college, though details remain under discussion.
In a world where many lives pass unnoticed, Carolyn’s story reminds us how one person’s quiet dedication can ripple across towns, churches, and charitable causes.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is the visitation for Carolyn Bowling Byrd?
Visitation takes place on Thursday, August 28, 2025, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Bryan‑Lee Funeral Home, 300 E. McIver Street, Angier, North Carolina.
What is the requested form of tribute instead of flowers?
The family asks that memorial contributions be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, P.O. Box 96011, Washington, DC 20090‑6011, reflecting Carolyn’s connection to the cause.
Will there be a live stream for those who cannot attend?
Bryan‑Lee Funeral Home confirmed a private live stream will be available for family members who cannot travel, with the link emailed to registered contacts.
How can I learn more about the Alzheimer’s Association’s work?
Visit the organization’s website at www.alz.org for current research updates, caregiver resources, and ways to donate. The latest annual report shows a 12 % increase in diagnosed cases, underscoring the need for continued support.
Are there any parking restrictions at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church?
Free parking is available in the church’s lot, but spaces are limited after 6 PM. Early arrival is advised, especially for guests with mobility concerns.
Jensen Santillan
October 17, 2025 AT 20:48Carolyn Bowling Byrd’s life story reads like a small‑town chronicle that quietly shaped Raleigh’s social fabric. She spent decades as a clerk, a role that, while unglamorous, kept her in daily contact with ordinary citizens. Her habit of bringing fresh cookies to the office became a beloved ritual that uplifted coworkers on stressful days. Beyond the workplace, she volunteered at the local food pantry, reinforcing the principle that food security is a community responsibility. The loss of her mother to Alzheimer’s propelled her into advocacy, demonstrating how personal grief can motivate public action. She championed senior‑center programs that offered memory‑care workshops and caregiver support groups. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, diagnoses rose 12 % last year, underscoring the relevance of her mission. By directing donations to the Association, the Byrd family aligns personal remembrance with a national research agenda. The planned scholarship at the community college could further extend her legacy into education. Her church, Pleasant Grove Baptist, served as a spiritual anchor, hosting gatherings that blended faith with fellowship. Neighbors recall her as a “quiet pillar,” a phrase that captures the understated strength she exuded. In a world saturated with celebrity obituaries, her story emphasizes the impact of ordinary kindness. The visitation and funeral logistics, though procedural, allow the community to congregate and celebrate shared memories. Such gatherings not only honor the deceased but also reinforce social cohesion among attendees. Ultimately, Carolyn’s narrative reminds us that sustained, modest contributions can ripple outward, touching countless lives beyond a single lifespan.
Mike Laidman
October 18, 2025 AT 19:01The family’s request for donations to the Alzheimer’s Association reflects a purposeful redirection of traditional floral tributes toward a cause that affected Carolyn directly. Visitors are encouraged to contribute via the P.O. Box 96011 address in Washington DC ensuring that funds support research and caregiver resources. The visitation will take place at Bryan‑Lee Funeral Home on August 28 from six to eight PM providing ample opportunity for community members to pay respects. Following the service at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church on August 29 the burial will occur at Greenlawn Memorial Gardens. This structured schedule facilitates planning for out‑of‑town relatives and local friends alike.
J T
October 19, 2025 AT 17:15Sad to hear, thanks for sharing 😢