May 10, 2025, 81, Goldsboro —
Evangeline Carole Mewborn McKeel, 81, passed away peacefully in true Carole fashion, listening to her favorite song and life mantra, “My Way”. Carole was born in Wayne County to the late Ervin Chester Mewborn, Jr. and Evelyn Mozingo (Mewborn) Price on December 19, 1943. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Ronald Dow McKeel; stepfather, Newby Price; and brothers, Chris Mewborn and Carey Mewborn.
Graduating from East Carolina University with a Master’s degree in education, Carole served a 21-year tenure as a physical education teacher and head girls’ basketball coach at Barton College from 1967 until 1987. While at Barton, she led the girls’ team to victory in the 1980 CIAC Championship. As a result of her successful career and tremendous impact in the lives of many, Carole was inducted into the Barton-Atlantic Christian College Hall of Fame. Following her career with Barton, Carole continued serving in education as a school counselor with Johnston County Schools for twenty years before retiring.
An avid reader, Carole’s interest spanned the range of many authors including Patterson, Balducci, and Cornwell. Making her way through a new book every few days, she constantly expanded her world and her mind through the writings of others.
Always up for travel, Carole explored many destinations up and down the eastern seaboard and across the country. Skilled at playing cards, her competitive nature shined amongst her family as she joined them in playing 5 Crowns. For her, the game was even better when she could gloat in victory.
Always keeping herself occupied, Carole enjoyed spending time putting together jigsaw puzzles, home projects, and watching sports. Willing to take on any task, nothing was too far from her reach, from building a deck to building a shed. A deeply devoted Duke fan, she was tuned in to every game they played, and Duke Blue ran through her veins.
Carole’s wisdom was beyond compare. Known for her innate ability to tell it like it was, Carole’s friends and family clung to every word she said, as they knew she was adamant about her statements, and that they were always full of insight.
For Carole, there was no more special place than the beach. Spending days at a time on the beach with her mother, Evelyn, the two would spend hours each day soaking up the sun and enjoying the gentle breeze and salt air. An animal lover, she especially held a deep fondness for dogs.
An excellent cook, Carole was well-known for her Hershey Bar Cake and chicken salad, even going as far as cooking 16 pounds of chicken at the time to prepare her delicacy for many to enjoy. When it came to steak, there was only one way to eat it—as rare as you could.
Carole loved her family deeply and especially enjoyed doting on and spoiling her great-nieces.
A memorial service to honor and remember Carole’s life will be held Thursday, May 15, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. at La Grange First Missionary Baptist Church. Family and friends will gather for a time of fellowship and visitation in the hour prior to service. Committal will follow at Fairview Cemetery, La Grange.
Carole is survived by her nephews, Junior Mewborn and Todd Mewborn; great-nieces, Ashley Bratcher (David) and their son, Cohen, Kristin Brown (Josh) and their children, Henry, Luke, and Charlotte, and Caraleigh Mitchell (Ryan) and their children, Conleigh and Celia; special caregiver and dear friend, Jody Lane and her son, Drake; sisters-in-law, Jackie Mewborn and Joan Johnson; and special family friends, Karan Dillow and Pat Miller.
The family wishes to extend their gratitude for the outstanding care and love shown to Carole by her hospice nurse, Kelly Twiggs Dawson and aide, Bridget Honrine.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.rousefh.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Gentiva Hospice, 2309 Wayne Memorial Drive, Goldsboro, NC 27534. Arrangements are entrusted to Rouse Funeral Home, La Grange.
