Obituary: Dorothy Faye “Dot” Carroll
Dorothy Faye “Dot” Carroll, a proud Navy wife, sharp-minded businesswoman, and devoted matriarch, passed away on September 3, 2025, at the age of 97. Known for her intelligence, independence, beauty, and strength, she leaves behind a large and loving family who will carry her legacy forward. Born in Montgomery, Alabama, on January 10, 1928, Dorothy was the daughter of Dallas Adams and Florida Elliott.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers Bobby and Dan Adams; her sister Edith Hogge; and her beloved husband, William “Bill” J. Carroll, who passed in 2013. Dorothy and Bill spent 20 years in the United States Navy, moving all across the country and the world before finally settling in Kinston, NC. Following Bill’s retirement from military service, the couple founded Carroll Dental Laboratory, where Bill handled the technical work and Dorothy confidently ran the business with skill and savvy that never faded with age.
She was also preceded in death by her beloved daughter, Susan Catherine “Cathi” Grooms (1950–1973), and Cathi’s husband, Robert James Grooms (1950–1973).
Dorothy is survived by her sister, Margaret Ann McDonald; her children, William “Bill” J. Carroll II, and wife, Nicole their children, Amanda Carroll Emerson (Brent) and Alyssa Carroll; Robert “Bob” J. Carroll and wife, Deborah and their children, Kimberly Carroll — sons Carter and Cameron Hill — and Dianna Carroll Sasser (Bradley); Doug Adams and wife, Tamra and their children, Tim (Jennifer), Jennifer, Ryan (Myriah), Evan (Kim), Annalisa (Lydia), Dylan, Logan (Cassandra), Delaney (Justin), Ceanna (Faiz), Brennan, Sawyer, and Tamra Jane; Marie Carroll Cheek (fiancé Dwight Holland) her children, Catherine Carroll Lytell (husband David) and Kathleen Carter; Patricia “Pat” Carroll Westbrook and her children, Jay Shackelford (Laura) - children Jeri and Jonna, Jon Shackelford (Melissa) - child David, Jack Castleberry (Kara) - children Amelia, Avery, and Harper.
Dorothy was an active member of Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Kinston, NC, faithfully supporting the parish and regularly attending Mass. While her faith was deeply important to her, she expressed it quietly through consistency, community, and service. A visitation will be held Sunday, September 7, from 3:00 to 5:00 PM at Edwards Funeral Home (702 N Queen St, Kinston, NC 28501), with a Rosary at 4:30 PM.
A Mass of Resurrection will be celebrated Monday, September 8, at 11:00 AM at Holy Spirit Catholic Church (400 Academy Heights Rd, Kinston, NC 28504. Interment will be at 1:30 pm at Pinelawn Memorial Park. Arrangements made by Edwards Funeral Home & Cremations. Online condolences may be expressed at www.edwardsfhc.com.
