Carolyn Briggs

Carolyn Elizabeth Ross Briggs, 87, a resident of The Pines at Davidson, passed away peacefully on December 23, 2025.

Carolyn was born on March 2, 1938, in Orangeburg County, South Carolina, to Willie M. Ross, Sr. and Elizabeth Shuler Ross. She spent her childhood in Cary, North Carolina, where her love of learning and music took root. A talented pianist, she was also named valedictorian of her high school class—early signs of the intellect, discipline, and curiosity that would define her life.

She studied education and home economics, earning her bachelor’s degree, summa cum laude, from the Women’s College of the University of North Carolina (now UNC Greensboro) and her master’s degree from Texas Woman’s University in Denton, Texas. Carolyn dedicated her professional life to teaching and mentoring young people. She began her career at Lexington High School, later taught special needs children in Denton, Texas, for nine years, and then returned to North Carolina, where she spent the next several decades teaching math, science, and social studies at Central Davidson Junior High School (later renamed Central Middle School). Her influence extended far beyond the classroom, shaping generations of students through patience, rigor, and care.

Carolyn was a devoted mother to two sons: Stephen Judd Briggs, of Cary, North Carolina, who has a daughter, Stephanie Briggs, and Daniel Ross Briggs, of Huntersville, North Carolina. Daniel is married to Kristin Wike Briggs and is the father of Samantha Wood Briggs, Jordan Elizabeth Briggs, and Audrey Grace Briggs, as well as stepfather to Hannah Millsaps and Jonah Millsaps. Carolyn loved her sons and granddaughters with her whole heart and took great joy in her family.

Faith and service were central to Carolyn’s life. She was a dedicated member of First United Methodist Church of Lexington, where she was an active Sunday school participant, served in multiple church leadership roles, played handbells, and participated in—and helped lead—the Western Carolina United Methodist Women Conference. In addition to her church work, Carolyn was deeply committed to civic service, volunteering for many years as a local elections worker and delivering meals through Meals on Wheels.

Family was one of her greatest joys. She believed deeply in staying connected and often organized family reunions, cherishing time spent with loved ones. A gracious host, she was known for her gatherings—especially her annual Halloween parties with neighbors, which continued long after her children had left for college.

In retirement, Carolyn embraced travel and adventure, visiting places such as Alaska, Singapore, Thailand, Hong Kong, much of the East Coast, and the great National Parks of the West. Whether near or far, she approached life with curiosity, generosity, and enthusiasm.

Carolyn spent her final years at The Pines at Davidson, and her family is grateful for the kindness and care she received there.

She is also survived by her siblings, Willie M. Ross, Jr. (wife Betty) and Susan Ross Cain (husband Sam), along with many extended family members and dear friends.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on January 17, 2026, at First United Methodist Church of Lexington.  The family will receive friends following the service in the church fellowship hall.  

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to First United Methodist Church of Lexington or the American Red Cross.