Carol Pharr

Carol Bricker Pharr died September 16, 2025, in Ashburn, VA at the age of 86. Mrs. Pharr was born Oct 9, 1938, in Beckley, WV, to the late Forrest Davis Bricker and Mary Crockett Bowen Bricker. She was a graduate of Beaver High School and West Virginia University.

She married Dr. Percy Paul Pharr of Bramwell, WV in August of 1961. Carol worked as a social worker while Percy was in medical school, and then as a third-grade teacher. They moved to Newport News, VA, in 1968.

While raising 3 children, Carol was an artist, painting portraits, making stained glass, and knitting. She volunteered at her various churches and fire houses, helping to make potluck dinners.

During retirement, Carol and Percy refurbished and expanded a 19th-century waterfront home on Lambs Creek in Yorktown, VA, where they enjoyed carpentry, landscaping, and gardening. They moved to Charlottesville, VA in April 2003, and Percy died in the Spring of 2004. Carol continued to volunteer as a docent in local parks and gardens. She enjoyed local knitting and fiber arts groups, and even occasionally audited classes at UVA. Carol moved to The Woodlands, TX in 2017 to live with her daughter Elizabeth’s family. In May 2025, she moved into memory care in Ashburn, VA and found friends among the residents and staff.

Those who knew Carol from her early years until her last days frequently recall her warm, welcoming, friendly personality and her willingness to strike up a conversation with anyone: “Carol was as sweet as they come”, “She was just so lovely”, “Such a treasure”, “She had such a natural happiness and warmness about her that made you feel so special.”

She is survived by her three children. Paul, born 1968, graduated from the University of Virginia and Johns Hopkins University, and now resides in Annapolis, MD, with his wife Aimee Baird Pharr. Elizabeth, born 1970, graduated from Davidson College and the University of North Carolina, and now resides in The Woodlands, TX, with her husband Michael von Bodungen. Margaret, born 1972, graduated from Rice University and Virginia Tech, and now resides in Ashburn, VA. Carol is also survived by her 5 grandchildren: Matthew, Sarah, Emily, Case and Nicholas. Her brother, Forrest David Bricker, preceded her in death in Nov 2011.

The family will celebrate her life on Saturday, October 4 - beginning with a 9:45am service at Ivy Creek Methodist Church in Earlysville, VA. A graveside memorial service and internment will be held at 11am at Monticello Memory Gardens, 670 Thomas Jefferson Pkwy., Charlottesville, VA, followed by lunch. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Ivy Creek Methodist Church, or the local charity of your choice.