Mary Carrick

Mary Aileen Kirk Carrick passed Sunday, May 13, 2012 peacefully in her home surrounded by family. Services will be at Badin Baptist Church, 28 Falls Road, Badin, NC at 3:00 pm on Sunday, May 20, 2012. Family and friends will gather for fellowship immediately following the service to celebrate her life. Born July 20, 1926, she was 85 years old. Her husband of nearly 63 years; Donald Bain Carrick preceded her in death November, 2010. Her family includes sons: Donald R. Carrick and wife, Karen of Raleigh; David B. Carrick and wife Debbie of Badin; nieces whom she loved like daughters: Donna Kirk Ellison-Jones and husband, Wade of Badin; Debbie Kirk Jebaily and husband George of Florence, SC. Grandchildren: Bryan Carrick and wife Nikki of Locust; Amanda Carrick and fiancé Jaman Smith of Badin; and Jonathan Carrick of Badin. Great –grandchildren: Rylee, Shelbee, Summer and Madison Carrick. Great nephews and niece: John Ellison and wife, Laura of Badin; Kayla Jebaily and Kirk Jebaily of Florence, SC; Sam Jones of Badin. Very dear to her heart and loved like sisters are cousins Evelyn Furr Holbrook of Charlotte and sister-in-law Carolyn Kirk Yarboro of Florence, SC. Aileen adored every member in her family and she enjoyed every minute spent with each. Whether babysitting, school field day or lunch, piano recital, concert, birthday party or cook-out, she loved every family gathering for any occasion. Her home is garnished with pictures of things most important to her; her husband, her church and many, many pictures of family. Before his death, her husband wrote her a note in which he said: “You were always more than a wife, a lover, a friend, workmate, supporter, partner, nurse and any other qualities that a person has to have to make a home”. Educated at Badin High School and Pfeiffer University in Business Administration, she was a home-maker and part time medical office assistant for Dr. Ritchie Wall and Dr. W. H. Freeman. She was a member of Badin Baptist Church where she sang in the choir, enjoyed the Sunshine Group, taught Sunday school, played piano, worked in the nursery, Bible School activities, and gladly served on various committees. A true southern lady and Godly woman, she was a most gracious hostess and always ready to offer a prayer, prepare a dish of food or bake a fabulous pound cake. She had a wonderful sense of humor and could readily drop a one-liner or southern colloquialism making everyone laugh. Her passion for reading in spite of Alzheimers Disease allowed the family and caregivers many opportunities to laugh as she read the newspaper headlines and magazine covers out loud like a newscaster. Pound cake was a favorite of hers, and she will always be remembered saying adamantly while clapping her hands; “What’s a person got to DO around here to get a piece of pound cake?" An avid gardener, she loved to be outside. Her yard is full of flower pots, hanging baskets and flower beds. Something is always blooming and Aileen enjoyed every bloom and scent. She advised everyone to take time to stop and smell the roses. In her later years she spent extensive time sitting on her front porch watching the beautiful sky and clouds pass, enjoying the deer, rabbits, squirrels, and birds at play, but she thought God might have made a mistake by creating ticks. Following the passing of her husband, home care sitters joined the family to allow her to remain at the home she loved so dearly. Shelia Morton, Christine Borga, Joyce Swanner, Carol Belsinger, Jeri Nester, and Susan Palmer were front line keeping her safe, comfortable and cared for. Additional caregivers were Kim Lowder, Tammie Locklear, Betty Bargesser, and Samantha Hill. Whether bringing her treats, taking her on rides to Morrow Mountain or Wendy’s for a frosty, the many things they did and the love and care they provided until she passed added much quality to her life. Each of these wonderful angels as well as Community Home Care and Hospice of Asheboro embraced the family providing unending love, resources, equipment, comfort and support up to her last day. Though she is already missed, her family is at peace knowing she is reunited with her husband and singing alto in God’s Heavenly Choir. Memorials may be made to Badin Baptist Church, P.O. Box 337, Badin, NC, 28009.