Mary Caroline Pole

Mary Caroline Russ Pole passed away peacefully on July 17, 2026. She had just celebrated her 95th birthday surrounded by family, and we were so happy to celebrate with her. She was born in Biscoe, NC on June 21,1931 to John Marvin Russ, and Lillian Marlowe Russ, and lived in various places with her family following her father’s job with the former Carolina Power and Light company. Her adolescent years were spent in Laurinburg, NC where she formed many long-term friendships. The Russes and Marlowes were both from NC, so mom’s family made many memories visiting their families, and creating great stories for later generations to hear.

Caroline was ahead of her time as an independent woman in business. She was creative, dynamic, and never afraid to take on a new project. There wasn’t anything she thought she couldn’t do, it was just a matter of putting her ideas into action. Our mother started several businesses, was a radio show host, wrote a column for a newspaper, sold real estate, bought real estate, and created a rental business for herself. She loved to find properties, and make them beautiful. She had an eye for what looked good, and didn’t stop until things were just right. She loved art, animals, plants, music, movies, and poetry. She loved life, and to live it fully.

Mom loved her children, and grandchildren fiercely, and always wanted them coming around. She loved to cook big meals for them, and have them all over for Sunday dinners, or holidays. Nothing pleased her more than having family at her home, enjoying good food and listening to beautiful music. She liked to make it elegant, good linens, silver, China, and candlelight, never saving those things for special occasions.

Caroline was preceded in death by her husband Dr. Samuel B, Pole, III, her daughter Donna Ormsby Nibbe, her parents John Marvin Russ, and Lillian Marlowe Russ, and her brother Norman Harold Lange, as well as many beloved uncles, aunts, and cousins.

She is survived by her children Dale Marvin Ormsby (Robin), and Lynne Whitaker Sordellini (Ed), her grandchildren Shannon Ormsby Hufham (Mike), Faye Ormsby Fay (Chris), Ross Freshwater, (Amberlee), Anna Shaw Martin (Cameron), Olivia Shaw Sellers (Jordan), Lula Ormsby, Mary Ormsby Hermeling (Drew), and Mary Carolyn Nibbe, numerous great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Lower Cape Fear Lifecare, Wilmington, NC

Funeral arrangements are as follows, and all are welcome to join us. Service on Saturday, August 1, 2026 at 11:00 AM at Andrews Mortuary Market Street Chapel,1617 Market Street, Wilmington, NC 28401.