Carol Decker Ferguson

Carol Decker Ferguson passed away peacefully on July 12, 2022 after a long journey with Alzheimer’s dementia. Carol spent the last six years of her life at Brookdale Cary Senior Living, cared for by many dedicated staff.

Carol was born on November 26, 1938, in Elizabeth, NJ to Charles Fisher Decker and Katherine Hoplock Decker. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister Georgianna Clifton, brother-in-law Bobby Lee Clifton, niece Kay Clifton (all of Asheboro, NC), and brother Charles Lyle Decker (of Charlottesville, VA).

She is survived by her beloved husband of 46 years, Sylvester (“Fergie”) Stone Ferguson, Jr; three daughters: Terri Reeder (Wes) of Temecula, CA; Julie Gibbs of Cary, NC; and Jennifer Hannigan (Tom) of Kingwood, TX; four grandchildren: Brette Hannigan of Houston, TX; Ryan Hannigan of Austin, TX; Saylor Gibbs of Cary, NC; and Keaton Gibbs of Redwood City, CA; sister-in-law Betty Decker of Staunton, VA; and nephew Christopher Clifton (Donna) of Asheboro, NC.

Carol also enjoyed close relationships with many extended family members, including sisters- and brothers-in-law Randy and Lesley Ferguson (Morehead City, NC), Hannah and Lucian Parshall (Lansing, MI), and Jean and Joe Ash (Boston, MA); and cousins Arlene Giegerich (Roselle Park, NJ) and Joanne Nirmaier (Hilton Head, SC).

Carol’s bright spirit and crystal blue eyes captivated all who knew her. A lifelong lover of animals, Carol raised, loved, and rescued many dogs, cats, and a variety of other creatures (including orphaned squirrels and birds). She loved to explore the world, especially traveling with her husband, family, and friends to faraway places including Sri Lanka, Singapore, Egypt, and many European countries. Carol was a talented and accomplished artist and enjoyed drawing, painting, and ceramics. She instilled a lifelong love of nature, wildlife, animals, and art into her three daughters and grandchildren.

A 1956 graduate of Asheboro High School, Carol was an All-Conference and honorable mention All-State basketball player. Carol was also a talented softball player and an avid golfer for much of her adult life. Carol worked for many years, attaining senior roles in operations, sales, and marketing for a variety of companies including OMI, Inc. and Pan Am airlines, and later pursued a career in real estate. While living in Kingwood, TX, she was a dedicated volunteer at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center Children’s Art Project.

Beloved by many friends in addition to her family, Carol will be missed and celebrated by her longtime group of friends, the “Kingwood crew”: Mary DuBois, Mary and Jim Ferguson, Jack Gross, Jan and Don Kidwell, Andy Lawson, Doty and Jan Olson, and Libby and Fred Zorbas. She’ll be welcomed to Heaven by those crew members who have previously passed, including Glen DuBois, Adelle Gross, Jim Lawson, and Manny and Linda Tsuhlares. The crew, friends since the 1970s, will celebrate their 18th Kingwood Reunion later this year.

A celebration of Carol’s life will be held at 1:00pm on August 18, 2022 at Brown Wynne Funeral Home, 200 SE Maynard Road, Cary, NC 27511. Reception with the family to follow.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in her name to the Alzheimer’s Association (https://www.alz.org/?form=alz_donate) or to M.D. Anderson Cancer Center Children's Art Project (https://childrensartproject.org/products/monetary-donation-1)