June 11, 2025, 87, Goldsboro —
Carrie Frances Millard (affectionally known as “Dank”) was called from labor to reward on June 11, 2025, at 9:50 a.m., at the home of her daughter and son – in – law, Keith and Melba Miller. God gave her the desire of her heart when she slept away to spend an eternity with Him.
She was born on September 27, 1937, to William Jones Millard and Roberta Exum Millard in Wayne County, North Carolina. She was the second of seven children, and enjoyed being a part of a loving, God fearing family. There were many childhood memories that she cherished, which she would often share with her family and friends.
She began her education at the Vail Elementary School and graduated from Pikeville Training School in May of 1956. She accepted Christ at an early age and became a member of Elm Grove COC / DOC. She loved reading each morning from the Bible and other faith – based literature. She was a major fan of the Hallmark Channel and nightly news.
She was employed at Cherry Hospital in Goldsboro, North Carolina, until she retired due to health issues. It was there that she met Melvin “Bobby” Cox, and they were united in holy matrimony. Carrie and Bobby would share thirty – three years in marriage and five children together. She was a devoted wife and mother, consistently exemplifying the Proverbs 31 woman.
Carrie was preceded in death by her parents (William and Roberta), husband (Melvin), and brothers (William Jr., Maryland and Jackie).
After spending nine years in Columbia, South Carolina, with her sister Lila, she returned to Goldsboro, North Carolina, and lived with her sister Effie. These three sisters were affectionally known as the “Golden Girls”. Following her return to Goldsboro, she united with Holly Hill COC / DOC and was recognized as an Honorary Mother. She faithfully attended and supported Holly Hill and continued to do so following her decline in health.
She leaves to celebrate her life and legacy: two sons, Robby Millard (Kim) of Pikeville, NC and Dennis Cox of Goldsboro, NC; one god – son Steven Millard (Terrie) of Eureka NC; three daughters, Melba Cox Miller (Keith) of Goldsboro NC, Sandra Cox and Shirlene Cox of Goldsboro NC; one god – daughter, Angela Spruill of Pikeville NC; two sisters, Effie Millard Dees of Goldsboro NC and Lila Millard McHenry of Columbia SC; eight grandchildren and 10 great – grandchildren; one brother – in – law, Dallas Cox and two sisters – in – law, Zelda Braswell and Betty Coley of Goldsboro NC; a dear friend, Linda Fisher of Goldsboro, NC; two first – cousins and a special friend, whom she referred to as sisters, Paula Exum Holden (Pete) of Pikeville, NC, Carrie Millard Brooks of Orange, NJ and Annie Fuller Bunch of Goldsboro, NC; three god – sisters, Verna Core of Dudley, NC, Mattie Artis and Carrie Horton of Pikeville, NC; and a host of other relatives and friends.
Funeral service will be Monday, June 16, 2025 at 1 p.m. at Goldsboro-Raleigh District Assembly, 211 W. Hooks River Road in Goldsboro. A viewing will be held from Noon until 12:45 p.m. at the church.
Professional services entrusted to the care of Howell Funeral Home & Crematory in Goldsboro.
