Carolyn K. Lassiter

Frances Carolyn Kernodle Lassiter, 86, of Lillington, North Carolina, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, August 23, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.

Born on March 13, 1939, in High Point, North Carolina, Carolyn was the eldest daughter of the late William Paul Kernodle and Esther Kenyon Kernodle. She was a graduate of Elise High School in Robbins, North Carolina, and pursued further studies at The Woman’s College of the University of North Carolina. It was in the summer of 1960 in Robbins that she met the love of her life and future husband, Harold Lassiter. They made their home in Lillington where Harold co-owned and operated the Piggly Wiggly grocery store with his siblings. Their union spanned 62 years, marked by enduring affection and unwavering partnership. She faithfully supported and advised Harold in his many business and community leadership roles.

Carolyn’s faith was a cornerstone of her life. A life-long Baptist, she was first nurtured in the community of Robbins First Baptist Church and later became a devoted member of Lillington Baptist Church where she served faithfully on various committees, as well as taught children’s Sunday School and Vacation Bible School. She was a long-time member of the Sara Womble Bible Class. Carolyn was honored to share her artistic vision and design acumen to refurbish the church sanctuary and select coordinating choir robes.

Carolyn was a devoted wife, mother, sister, Grandmother and Gigi. She ensured that her family had exceptional care, felt her deep love and knew her hopes and expectations for them. Her family made her incredibly proud, and supporting them gave her great pleasure and assurance.

Carolyn traveled the world with family and friends to business conventions and delighted in Caribbean cruising adventures. Her love of art and architecture was apparent on these trips as she took great joy learning about the history and design of beautiful buildings and landscapes around the world.

Carolyn is survived by her daughter, Kimberly Lassiter Watson [husband, William “Bill” Watson] and son, Harold Lassiter, Jr. [wife, Dhedra “Dede” Lassiter]; grandson, Will Watson [wife, Dr. Kelly Boyd]; grandson, Wes Watson; great-grandson, Liam Watson; great-granddaughter, Madeline Watson; sister, Glenda Helms [husband, Paul Helms], and many nieces and nephews and their families. Carolyn was preceded in death by her loving husband, Harold Lassiter, Sr.

A memorial service to honor and celebrate Carolyn’s life will be held at 11 AM on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, at Lillington Baptist Church, 210 W. Lofton St, Lillington, NC. Pastor Roger Moss will officiate. Visitation will be held at 10 AM in the church sanctuary prior to the service. Burial will follow at Westview Cemetery in Lillington.

The family thanks members of Lillington Baptist Church and Transitions LifeCare for their support and care in recent months.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made in Carolyn’s memory to Lillington Baptist Church, PO Box 670, Lillington, NC 27546.

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