WILMINGTON — With heavy hearts and deep gratitude for a life well-lived, we announce the passing of Carolyn Hammonds Dove Whitley on June 26, 2024, at her home in Wilmington with her family by her side. Carolyn was born on July 24, 1933, in Bladen County, NC, and her journey through life was one of unwavering love and dedication to her family.
Carolyn’s early years were spent moving back and forth between Bladen County and Wilmington. After a divorce, she settled in Wilmington, where she lovingly raised her four children. In November of 1969, Carolyn married Eugene “Gene” Whitley, who cherished her and her children beyond measure. Despite the profound loss of Gene in 1979, Carolyn continued to demonstrate remarkable resilience. She obtained her license and worked diligently until the age of 87, embodying strength and perseverance.
Her heart was always open, and her home was filled with warmth and the enticing aroma of home-cooked meals. Carolyn treasured every moment spent with her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-granddaughter, imparting to them the joys of cooking, baking, sewing, and the importance of prayer.
Carolyn answered to many names—Aunt Carolyn, Mrs. Dove, Ms. Whitley—but her most cherished titles were Momma and Nanny. She wanted all her family and friends, whom she considered family, to know how deeply she loved them, how much she appreciated everything they did with and for her, and how blessed she felt to have them in her life.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Eugene “Gene” Benton Whitley; her parents, William Roy Hammonds, Ethel Gooden Hammonds Harper, and bonus father, Clarence L. Harper; and her eleven siblings: Robert Hammonds (Nelva), Josephine Hammonds Potter (Sedric), Roy Lee Hammonds, Merline Gupton, Donald Ray Hammonds (Marie), Bobby Hammonds, Billy Hammonds, and two sets of twin sisters.
Carolyn is survived by her four children: Ronald Dove, Carol Elaine Dove Neely, William T. Dove (Debbie), and Larry Dove; her five grandchildren: Michelle Webster (Scott), Thad Dove (Erin), Melissa Bache (Ben), Jennifer Dove, and Keith Dove (Tonya); her nine great-grandchildren: Whitney Schmidt (Justin), Sydney Davidovic (Ogi), McKenzie Webster, Logan Webster, Adam Bache, Maddie Bache, Terry Bache, Owen Bache, and Zachary Bache; one great-great-granddaughter, Elizabeth Schmidt; and sister-in-law Shirley Skipper Hammonds. She also leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, their children, and countless friends whom she claimed as family.
A Graveside Service will be held on Tuesday, July 2, 2024, at Greenlawn Memorial Park, starting at 11:00 am, where Carolyn will be laid to rest alongside her beloved Gene.
In lieu of flowers, Carolyn’s family asks that friends and family consider a memorial contribution to Lower Cape Fear LifeCare in her memory.
Carolyn’s legacy is one of love, generosity, and faith. She leaves behind a tapestry of memories woven with kindness and devotion, a testament to a life that truly made a difference. Carolyn will be profoundly missed and forever remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her.
Please leave memories and condolences for Carolyn’s family here.
