Neel Dupree Carson

Neel Dupree Carson, 90, of Greenville, NC died peacefully on Wednesday, December 17, 2025. Neel was born on September 8, 1935 and raised in Belvoir, NC, the daughter of James Thomas Dupree and Anna Elizabeth Harris Dupree.
A graveside service for family and friends will be held on Saturday, December 27th at 11 a.m. at Pinewood Memorial Park in Greenville.
Neel attended Belvoir High School and East Carolina College and upon graduating in 1957 worked as a home economist with Virginia Electric and Power Company. She and her husband Dave met while students at ECC and were married in 1959. Neel and Dave moved to Kenbridge, VA where they owned and operated a Ford-Mercury dealership under Carson Motor Company, Inc. Raising their two children in Kenbridge, Neel and Dave embraced and were active in their new town, working along with many good friends in various clubs and organizations to improve the community. After 30 years in Kenbridge, they retired and returned to Greenville.
Neel delighted in a life of personal expression and service to others through her creativity. Her talents were expansive and seemingly endless. Her humble upbringing on a rural farm required the development of many of her skills and talents. Neel was a lifelong learner and genuinely enjoyed mastering a craft and then sharing her expertise. She loved to quilt and joined the Greenville Quilt Guild where she founded the Learn to Quilt classes. Along with 15 fellow quilters, Neel created East Carolina University's Centennial Quilt which is on permanent display in Joyner Library. She was a wonderful cook and designed and published her own cookbook of favorite recipes which is well-loved by many. Gatherings at her home were always a special treat. Additionally, church involvement was an integral part of her life where she served others through the ministries of the Methodist Church in Kenbridge, VA and Greenville, NC.
Most of all, she will be lovingly remembered for her kindness. Her generosity was genuine and effortless, always thinking of others before herself. She had a big bright smile, was quick to laugh and her sweet spirit and positive outlook have left lasting impressions – a legacy that will endure. Neel was devoted to Dave, her husband of 62 years, and loved her grandchildren deeply, making every effort to be involved in their lives.
Neel was predeceased by her husband Samuel David "Dave" Carson (2022), and her twin brother Mack Harris Dupree (2021). Surviving are her daughter Lee Stephenson and husband Hale Stephenson (Greenville, NC), and son David Carson and wife Angela (Wilmington, NC). Grandchildren are Elizabeth Longino and husband Beau, Anna Stephenson, Sarah Stephenson, Sam Carson, Mack Carson, Walt Carson and great granddaughter Caroline Longino.
The Stephenson and Carson families offer a very special thank you to the staff at Spring Arbor of Greenville for their compassionate care.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of your choice or better yet, go find someone and make their day better. Neel would approve.