Carolyn Coker Massey , 85, passed away peacefully at her home on May 10, 2025 in Emerald Isle, North Carolina.

Born on June 9, 1939 in Warrenton, North Carolina, Carolyn was the daughter of W.J. and Pauline Coker. Her life was marked by a deep commitment to family, community service, and a warm-hearted spirit that touched everyone she met.

Carolyn shared a remarkable partnership with her late husband, W.R. Massey, Jr., both in life and in business. Together they owned and operated Ribeye Steakhouse and Massey Enterprises Inc., as well as numerous land development projects. Their entrepreneurial ventures reflected their shared vision and dedication to building lasting contributions within their community.

In addition to her business accomplishments, Carolyn was deeply involved in public service. She was elected to the School Board for the Roanoke Rapids Graded Schools, where she served with distinction. Her work helped shape educational opportunities for countless students in the area.

A devoted member of Rosemary Baptist Church, Carolyn played an instrumental role in the planning and construction of the church kitchen and fellowship hall. Her efforts ensured that these spaces would serve as welcoming centers for worship and community gatherings for years to come.

Carolyn found joy in simple pleasures—dancing to her favorite music, especially Elvis Presley and Josh Turner; gazing out at the ocean; and spending cherished time with her family. Her warmth and kindness were evident in every interaction—she had a gift for making people feel like lifelong friends from the moment they met her.

She is lovingly remembered by her brother, W.J. Coker, Jr. and his wife, Peggy; daughter, Lisa Lynch; sons, Stephen Massey, Michael Massey and his wife, Annette, Brent Massey and his wife, Patricia; stepsons W.R. Massey, III and his wife, Robin, Bentley Massey and his wife, Barbara; stepdaughter, Tammy Jenkins and her husband, Andy; nephew, Whitley Coker; fourteen grandchildren and twenty-two great grandchildren.

Carolyn was preceded in death by her beloved husband, W.R. Massey, Jr., as well as her parents, W.J. and Pauline Coker.

Her legacy lives on through the many lives she touched—with grace, generosity, and an ever-present smile. May her memory bring comfort to those who knew her.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 PM on Friday, May 16, 2025 in the chapel of Askew Funeral and Cremation Services at 731 Roanoke Avenue, Roanoke Rapids, NC with Dr. Layne Wallace officiating.

The family will receive friends from 1:00 PM until service time at the funeral home.