Carole Yarbrough Thomas

Carole Yarbrough Thomas, a devoted mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away on November 11th, 2025. She will be remembered for her warm and generous spirit, her fun and lively personality, and the deep, unconditional love she shared with everyone fortunate enough to know her. She had a way of making people feel cared for, welcomed, and truly seen, an enduring gift that will be treasured forever.

Carole was born in Lexington, North Carolina, to Noah Frank Yarbrough and Willie Veigh Yarbrough. She grew up in a close-knit family and attended Reeds High School, forming friendships and values that would guide her in her life through many reunions. Shortly after graduating, she married Gary Jenkins and they welcomed their daughter Sherry. Becoming a mother brought Carole profound joy and fulfillment, and her bond with Sherry remained one of the greatest blessings of her life.

Later in life, Carole's path led her to find love again with Fred Samuel Thomas. Their marriage was a source of companionship, laughter, and strength. Together they built a home and traveled extensively creating lasting memories. Several years after Fred's passing she met a gentleman, J.W. Vaughan, a widower himself. For quite a few years they enjoyed going to the beach, dancing, and football games until his unfortunate passing from Alzheimer's.

Carole enjoyed a successful career in human resources at Duke Energy, where she was admired for her kindness, insight, and steady leadership. She had a natural gift for connecting with people, a quality that made her both an exceptional colleague and a beloved friend.

Her creativity shone through in many ways. She was a talented seamstress and loved floral arranging, bringing beauty and elegance into her home and the lives of those around her. A true gardener at heart, Carole nurtured her plants with the same thoughtful attention she gave to the people she loved. Her sense of style was unmistakable, and she especially enjoyed shopping for shoes. For Carole, a new pair of shoes was never just an accessory but an expression of her unique personality.

Carole also had a lifelong love for music. She was an accomplished pianist and served as the pianist and organist for Hebron United Church of Christ. At home, she could often be found playing her favorite tunes on her piano or organ, filling the house with warmth and melody. An element of surprise could be found with a catchy interlude from her additional skill on the accordion. She loved playing for weddings, church services, choir gatherings, and special family occasions, and she took great joy in teaching piano lessons. Her passion for music extended into her love for dance and community, and she brought her lively spirit to every event she touched.

Carole was a member of Calvary Baptist Church, which served as a wellspring of faith and community. Her involvement in the church enriched her life and strengthened her spirit. She approached her faith with sincerity and grace, and it remained an important foundation throughout her life. Her fun-loving nature, quick wit, and warm presence made her the kind of person others naturally gravitated toward. Time spent with her was filled with laughter, stories, and a feeling of being deeply loved.

She is preceded in death by her parents, first husband Gary Jenkins, her second husband Fred Thomas, her special friend J. W. Vaughan, her stepmother Willie Mae Yarbrough, step brother- in-law, Donald Flowers, and is now reunited with them in rest.

Carole is survived by her daughter Sherry Jensen (Chuck), her grandchildren Taylor Jensen (Bryan Brightbill), Trevor Jensen (Dorothea Erxleben), and Nicholas Jensen. She is also survived by her stepbrother Charles Flynn (Debbie), and her stepsister Charlene Flowers. Each of them carries forward her compassion, her joy for life, and her ability to make others feel special and supported.

On December 6th at 11:00 AM we will celebrate together the life of Carole at Yarborough's Restaurant followed by a luncheon at the same location. Yarborough's Restaurant is located at 321 Marco Blvd, Lexington, NC, 27295. The family will have a private interment at Forest Hills Memorial Park on December 8th.

Memorial contributions may be made to either support dermatology education through Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist in honor of Dr. Phillip Williford and their work in advancing dermatology research at https://give.wakehealth.edu/site/Donation2?df_id=1560&1560.donation=form1&mfc_pref=T

or The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research, PO Box 5014 Hagerstown, MD 21741.