Carole Louise (Lawing) Burnette

Carole Louise Lawing Burnette passed away peacefully at her home in Arden, North Carolina, on November 16, 2025, in the loving embrace of her family, following a period of declining health. She was born on April 22, 1944.

A proud graduate of Erwin High School in 1962 and later AB Tech, Carole forged a distinguished professional path in manufacturing. She was a respected leader in an era and a region where few women held leadership positions. Carole earned each leadership role through her demonstrated competence and dogged resolve. She was not just a manager; she was a leader who guided her workforce with purpose and compassion. Working at companies like C.T.S., Kearfott, Crane Resistoflex, and Parker-Hannifin, her career culminated in managing a plant in Jacksonville, Florida, where she led a remarkable turnaround in operations.

She took her work seriously but kept her sights trained on her real priorities – her family. As a single child, Carole was the primary caretaker of her parents, aunts, uncles and an extended flock. She had three children by the age of 26 and raised her girls as a single parent while working full time. She served a meat-and-three every night for dinner, never missed a school ball game or performance, and made ends meet with her sheer determination and the occasional use of duct tape.

In retirement, Carole turned her attention to serving others in a serious way. Never tolerant of any person or animal who looked a little hungry, she dedicated herself to feeding the less fortunate, making thousands of gallons of soup, scores of her legendary pound cakes, and trays upon trays of biscuits.

Stubborn and independent, she was a woman of habits and routines: reading, smoking, drinking sweet tea, doting on her dogs, vigorous cleaning, and cutting grass on her prized John Deere. Carole spent her winter months coaching the UNC Tarheel’s men’s basketball team and arguing strategy with Roy Williams from the comfort of her living room.

Those lucky enough to be in her orbit have been forever impacted by her generosity, loyalty, high expectations, and unconditional love. Her family and friends will miss her terribly but do our best to live up to the standard she set in actions and deeds. Predeceased by her husband, David Burnette in 1986, Carole’s legacy lives on through her three devoted daughters: Kimberly Presley (Stan Presley) of Arden, NC; Karen Hicks of Concord, NH; and Christy Hicks (Lori Thornton) of West Chester, PA. She also leaves behind her four grandchildren, Daniel Ergle (Riju Narayan) of Midlothian, VA, Elizabeth Green (Jason) of Black Mountain, NC, David Presley (Carina Furino) of Concord, NH, Amelia Hicks of Concord, NH, and Taylor Thornton of Asheville; and two great-grandchildren, Warren Presley and Milo Green.

The family will hold an open house with light refreshments on Wednesday, November 26, 2025 from 4:00 – 6:30 at 9 Pressley Branch Road in Arden, NC.

In lieu of flowers, volunteer at your local soup kitchen or homeless shelter or contribute to Asheville Buncombe Community Christian Ministry (ABCCM) or Western Carolina Rescue Mission.

Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian is assisting the family.