July 22, 2024, Gulf Breeze, FL —

Ruby “Carol” Burroughs was the youngest of six siblings born to the late James and Ruby Burroughs of Dudley, NC. She spent her childhood growing up on the Burroughs family farm. From a young age, it was apparent that Carol had a natural talent for making things beautiful. It came as no surprise to anyone that she decided to attend beauty college and pursue a career as a hairstylist. Her creativity and passion for her career carried her far. She would go on to study at Vidal Sasson in New York City. She also owned her own beauty salon.

Given her profession, Carol was always dressed to perfection with her hair and makeup done. She was just as beautiful as she was talented. She enjoyed modeling over the years.  However, the most beautiful part of her was her heart. She would go out of her way to make everyone feel special and loved.

Carol met the love of her life, Norwood, in Goldsboro, NC. They married in 1975. Together they had their only daughter, Heather Ann. They raised their family of three in Rocky Mount, NC. However, most weekends were spent on the road, driving back to her family’s farm in Dudley, NC. Family was everything to Carol. There was nothing that she loved more than being with her brothers and sisters at “the old home place”.

Carol retired after 30 years of being a hairdresser. During her retirement, she enjoyed spending time with her sisters. One of her favorite pastimes was cheering on the Duke Blue Devils basketball team and Coach K.

Eventually, Carol and Norwood relocated to Pensacola, FL to be closer to their daughter. Carol was thrilled to be close to her grandchildren, Kaitlyn, Greyson, Willa, and Kai. Being a nana was a role that she treasured. There was nothing she wouldn’t do for her grandchildren. She was at every school performance, soccer game, or party, always cheering the loudest.

Sadly, in 2023 Carol lost Norwood to cancer. They had been married for 48 years. They were truly soulmates and never left each other’s side.

Carol’s health began to decline over the next 10 months. The day she passed she was surrounded by her daughter, son-in-law, and her grandchildren.

Carol is survived by her daughter and son-in-law Heather Anderson Shearer and husband Bill; Grandchildren Kaitlyn Prezioso, Greyson Prezioso, Willa Shearer, and Kai Shearer; Sisters Julia Darden and Lou Ellen Smith.

In addition to her parents and husband, Carol was preceded in death by her brothers Dick Burroughs, Bobby Burroughs, and Ralph Burroughs.

Please honor her by wearing her favorite color, pink, to her service.

Services will be held on Tuesday, August 6. 2024 at 11:00 AM at the Wayne Memorial Park Mausoleum Chapel, Dudley, NC with entombment to follow.

Shumate-Faulk Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Anderson family and online condolences may be sent at www.shumate-faulk.com