WILMINGTON — Mary Carolyn Matthews Hoke died on November 28, 2023 at the age of 84.
Carolyn was born August 31, 1939 to David Matthews, Sr. and Maxine Quinn Matthews of Turkey, NC. She was the only daughter of five children. After graduating high school in 1957, Carolyn attended business school in Raleigh, North Carolina. After finishing school Carol made her home in Raleigh, North Carolina.
A mutual friend introduced Carolyn to a local attorney, William Ray Hoke, originally from Statesville, North Carolina. They shared a love of music and travel as well as volunteering at Holy Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church. The couple married in this church on January 29, 1966.
Carol and Bill did not have children of their own; however, they opened their home to several exchange students from Japan, France and Germany. Lifelong friendships remained with these students.
Carol was widowed for 25 years so when failing health began, she left her home in 2014 to live in an assisted living facility in Wilmington, North Carolina to be closer to family.
In addition to her parents Carolyn was preceded in death by her husband, William “Bill” Hoke; brothers; Curtis Edward Matthews, William S. Matthews Sr.; nephew, William S. Matthews Jr.; niece, June Leigh Matthews Hickman.
Carolyn is survived by her brothers, Ward W. Matthews and wife Martha of Denton, TX and David Matthews Jr. and wife Grace of Oak Island, NC; and numerous nieces and nephews.
A private family memorial service will be held at a later date.
An Inurnment will be at the columbarium at Holy Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, Clark Street, Raleigh, NC.
