Carole Kay Balisterri

Carole met and later married the love of her life, Ben Balisterri. She was a beautician by trade and worked in a salon near her home until the birth of their first child. Soon after, Ben’s job moved them to Central Arkansas 900 miles away from her tight knit Italian family.

The family settled in Bryant, where as a homemaker, Carole became actively involved in the community. Through the Bryant Booster Club, PTO, school activities, and athletics she supported her children in their every endeavor. The Balisterri home was a popular gathering place for friends, where a delicious Italian meal was guaranteed.

As her children grew, married, and began families of their own, she became Gammy. She deeply loved and cherished her eight grandchildren and six great grandchildren. Gammy’s favorite days were spent caring for them; crafting, telling stories, playing pretend, and sharing favorite snacks. Gammy and Papa’s house was a place of comfort and tradition. Her legacy continues in the lives of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She loved them all the bushels in the world.

Though her family will deeply miss her, the love she poured into them will never fade. It lives on in the lessons she taught, memories she created, and the family she helped shape.

Carole expressed her confidence in her security of salvation through Jesus Christ. Because of this, we take comfort that we will see her again.

Carole is preceded in death by her parents Domenic and Geraldine Passalaqua and her brothers Anthony Passalaqua and Lawrence Passalaqua.

She is survived by her beloved husband of 64 years, Ben Balisterri, who took incredible care of her throughout their marriage, allowing her to be the best mother and Gammy she could be. She is also survived by her children, Laura Wooten (Dane) of Bryant, Mark Balisterri (Deann) of Benton, and Michael Balisterri (Stacey) of Bryant. Her grandchildren: Jeramie Wooten (Kate) of Katy, TX, Brandon Wooten (Rachel) of Benton, Tyler Wooten of Bryant, Brooks Balisterri (Britten) of Benton, Lexie Rountree (John) of Bryant, Hadley Denker (Bryce) of Bryant, Bailey Hathcoat (Drew) of Benton, and Bentley Balisterri of Bryant, and her six precious great grandchildren: Raef Wooten, Kase Wooten, Dax Denker, Porter Rountree, Blair Balisterri, and Jolee Kay Hathcoat as well as two sister in laws Mary Ellen Passalaqua and Mimi Passalaqua Barber. She also leaves behind cherished nieces, nephews, cousins, many close friends she considered family, and all whose lives were made richer by knowing her.

A memorial service will be held on October 24, 2026 at 12:00 PM at Pinecrest Funeral Home. A visitation will start one hour prior to the service at 11:00 AM.

In lieu of flowers please make a donation to Arkansas Children's Hospital or St. Jude's Hospital.