Melba Hughes Carroll

On the evening of Sept. 7, 2025, the matriarch and glue of our family, Melba Hughes Carroll, gracefully and peacefully laid aside her burden and surrendered into the hand of God. She put up a valiant two-week fight, but as recovery lost ground, her will to be free overcame her weakened body’s attempts to survive.

Melba was born in Spruce Pine to George Dewey Hughes and Flossie Woody Hughes. The youngest of the four surviving children. The firstborn, a sister, had died as an infant. Melba met Fred Carroll from Celo, N.C., as a teenager and they were married in December 1954. They moved, with two small children, to Burke County in 1961. Together, they worked to successfully raise and provide for four children.

Melba had several occupations through the years and made lifelong friends at each endeavor, most notably during her years with Alba-Waldensian. Her skills in the kitchen were legendary, just ask the children and grandchildren. Her biscuits, renowned. She was also thoughtful in her care for others.

She loved to keep in touch by phone and always had greeting cards at hand, rarely letting an occasion pass to address and mail to those needing encouragement, praise, or sympathy. Until her mobility began to restrict her, she would happily do the visiting in person.

She loved her coffee, a good game of Rook, and bluegrass music. She recently stated that music and dancing had been, “A great part of mine and Fred’s marriage.” Her community on Rora Avenue will feel her absence with much sadness. She was a familiar presence and respite in her front porch rocker.

Not necessarily known for mincing words, but those who knew her best often took it as it came and would say “That’s just Melba”. Another seat has been prepared and promised to ‘Just Melba’ in a place where ’weather permitting’ no longer limits her joy.

In addition to her parents, Melba was preceded in death by an infant sister, Hattie Hughes; brother and sister-in-law, Goldman and Ollie Hughes; sister and brother-in-law, Bertie and Roy Cook; daughter-in-law, Linda Carroll.

Those remaining to honor her memory and grieve her loss are her husband, Fred Carroll, of the home; children, Steve Carroll (Carol), Nancy Pritchard (Gary), Sylvia Phillips (Jeff), and Freddie Carroll (Katrina); and grandchildren, Crystal Williams (Eddie), Amanda Pritchard, Heather Price (Trae), Heath Carroll, Corey Carroll (Trisha), Kayla Carroll, Tyler Phillips (Leanne), Mary Carroll (Matt), and Kat DeProfio (Ray). She is also great-grandmother to Gracie Carroll, Brooke and Jenna Coffey, Will and Tucker Price, Eleanor, Adeline, and Atlas Crump, and Emily and Sammy Carroll; and brother and sister-in-law, Garfield and Ruth Hughes. Also surviving are numerous nephews and nieces.

The family will receive friends from 1-2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025, at Sossoman Funeral Home. The funeral service will begin at 2 p.m. in the colonial chapel of the funeral home with the Rev. David Freeman officiating. Burial will follow in Fairview Baptist Church in Spruce Pine.

Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.sossomanfh.com.