October 9, 2026, 80, – Eddie Carol Gerencser, age 80, passed away peacefully on Friday evening, October 9th, 2026, in the comfort of her home, surrounded by the love of her family.
Born on June 20th, 1946, in Wayne County, North Carolina, Carol was the daughter of the late James Edward and Ruth Woodard Hill. She enjoyed a 30-year career with BellSouth/AT&T before retiring, but her most cherished roles were those of wife, mother, sister, grandmother, and friend.
Affectionately known as “Nanny” by those who loved her most, Carol had a way of becoming a Nanny to just about everyone fortunate enough to know her. She was quiet and observant, often content to listen rather than speak, but behind her gentle demeanor was a remarkably sharp mind, a quick wit, and an extraordinary strength of spirit.
Wickedly smart, fiercely independent, and stubborn in the best possible way, Carol believed that anything worth doing was worth doing right the first time. She carried that same determination throughout her courageous battle with cancer, facing each challenge with resilience and an unwavering will to keep going. Hers was a quiet strength that never sought attention, but left a lasting impression on everyone who knew her.
Carol was a thoughtful listener whose wisdom and generous heart made her someone others naturally turned to. Her phone was rarely on the hook, as friends and family often called, sometimes simply to chat and other times to seek her advice. She had a gift for caring for others, and perhaps nowhere was that more evident than in her kitchen. An exceptional cook, Carol believed that one of the best ways to show someone you loved them was to feed them. Her love was expressed through home-cooked meals, thoughtful gestures, and the countless little things she did for those around her. Rarely one to sit still, she found happiness in the familiar routines of home, tending to her flowers, and “piddlin’” around her house and garden.
She also loved a trip “uptown” to Goldsboro, especially when it meant a sweet treat from Mickey’s and an afternoon of shopping with her grandchildren or sisters. Of course, a simple trip into town rarely ended without running into someone she knew. Whether it was a former coworker from BellSouth, a friend of one of her siblings, or a familiar face from church softball, there always seemed to be someone who knew Carol. These chance encounters were a testament to the many friendships and connections she had made throughout her life.
A devoted Christian, Carol was a longtime member of Antioch Presbyterian Church, where she found fellowship and a church family she loved dearly. Her faith was not simply something she professed, but something she practiced through her generosity, compassion, and the way she cared for others.
Carol shared 57 years of marriage with her beloved husband, Stephen Gerencser. Together, they built a life rooted in love, loyalty, and devotion. Through life’s joys and hardships, they remained by one another’s side, setting a beautiful example of what it means to love someone through every season of life.
Carol is survived by her devoted husband, Stephen Gerencser; their daughter, Jamie Hopper (Chris) and four beloved grandchildren, Caroline (Anthony), Lexi, Anderson, and Gracyn. She is also survived by her sisters, Linda Morris (Karl) and Donna Keen (Buddy); brothers, Ronnie Hill (Vickie), Olin Hill (Marion), and Ricky Hill; sisters-in-law, Pam Hill, Carol Hill, and Shari Robinson; brother-in-law, Larry Peedin; along with many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.
In addition to her parents, Carol was preceded in death by her sisters, Faye Capps, Jean Hartley, and Susan Peedin; and her brothers, Charles Hill, Harold Hill, Max Hill, and Kent Hill.
Above all else, Carol loved her family more than anything in the world. She often put their happiness, comfort, and well-being before her own, giving of herself without hesitation or expectation of anything in return. Her grandchildren were her absolute pride and joy, and her face would light up at the mere mention of their names. Few things brought her greater happiness than watching them grow, sharing in their lives, and simply being their Nanny.
Though her absence leaves an immeasurable space in the lives of those who loved her, Carol’s legacy lives on in the family she nurtured, the wisdom she shared, the meals prepared with love, the gardens she tended, and the countless ordinary moments she made extraordinary. Her love was woven into the everyday lives of those around her, and it is there that she will always remain.
For a woman who devoted so much of her life to loving and serving others, there is comfort in imagining the words that welcomed her into the arms of her Savior:
“Well done, good and faithful servant.” — Matthew 25:23
The family would like to extend their heartfelt appreciation to Dr. Jacob Stein and his team at the UNC Cancer Center, as well as Gentiva Healthcare, for the compassionate care and support they provided throughout Carol’s journey. Special thanks are extended to her nurses, Taylor, Melissa, Ferris, and Summer, whose kindness, dedication, and gentle care brought comfort not only to Carol but also to those who loved her. Their compassion during such a difficult time will always be remembered with profound gratitude.
The family will receive friends on Tuesday, October 13, 2026 from 3:00 – 4:00 p.m. at Seymour Funeral Home followed by a service to celebrate Carol’s life at 4:00 p.m. in the chapel. Interment will be in Evergreen Memorial Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to The Sarcoma Foundation of America.
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