WILMINGTON — Carol Ruppe Gilliland, 68, of Wilmington, NC, passed away peacefully on January 12, 2025, her 68th birthday. She was born on January 12, 1957, in Fayetteville, NC, to the late A. Maxwell Ruppe and Ruth Ledford Ruppe.
Carol was the beloved wife of Reg Gilliland, and is survived by her stepson Kyle Gilliland (Brandi) of Asheville, NC, stepdaughter Marissa Allred (Joshua) of Raleigh, NC, and her step grandchildren Mason Hartford, Collin Gilliland, Presley Hartford, and Parker Gilliland. She is also survived by her brother Max Ruppe (Lena), sisters Sharon Smith (Ronnie), and Susan Black (Len), all of Fayetteville, NC, as well as her sister-in-law Patsy Atkins of Roxboro, NC. Carol was the aunt of Charles Smith (Mary Kelly), Natalie Kohlleffel (Jonathan), Claire Black, Rebecca Blackman (Josh), Hannah Black, Katerina Ruppe and Lauren Ruppe, and the great aunt of Noah Kohlleffel, Stewart Smith and Daniel Kohlleffel.
A proud graduate of Terry Sanford High School, Peace College, and the University of North Carolina at Wilmington, Carol worked as a flight attendant for nearly 40 years with Piedmont Airlines, USAir, and American Airlines, retiring in 2020. Throughout her career, she was known for her kindness, professionalism, and dedication to the people she served.
Carol had a great love for animals, especially cats, and her home was always a sanctuary for her furry companions. Her passion for nature and gardening was equally strong, and she took great pride in cultivating beautiful plants and flowers. Carol’s green thumb brought life and beauty to her home and to the hearts of everyone who saw her vibrant gardens.
Her family, travel, cooking, and the beach were also some of her greatest joys. Carol cherished the time spent with her loved ones, and whether it was sharing a meal she had lovingly prepared or enjoying the simple pleasures of life, she brought warmth and happiness to all who knew her.
A visitation will be held on Saturday, February 1, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. followed by a Celebration of Life at 2:00 p.m. at Andrews Mortuary Valley Chapel, 4108 S. College Road, Wilmington, NC. The family invites all who knew Carol to join them in honoring her memory.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the New Hanover Humane Society, 2405 N. 23rd Street, Wilmington, NC 28401, a cause that was close to Carol’s heart.
Carol’s legacy of love, compassion, and joy will live on in the hearts of her family, friends, and all those whose lives she touched. She will be deeply missed but never forgotten.
