Carole L. Ricketts

Born October 18, 1942 to Stanly and Faye Livingston in Lenoir, NC, she was a graduate of the following institutions: Brevard Junior College, Western Carolina University, The Florida State University (Masters & PhD) and post-doctoral work at Vanderbilt.

She was a professor of Education at: The Florida State University, University of North Carolina Greensboro, The Baptist College at Charleston, and The University of South Carolina. She also sat to accredit many satellite schools in the University of South Carolina System and help a position on the State Board of Education for South Carolina.

For the past 30 years she has been the organist for First Baptist Church of Bryson City. She enjoyed playing for the church and people she loved so dearly.

She is survived by her daughter Amy Keasler (John), two granddaughters, Maggie and Molly; four brothers, David (Carol), John (Freda), Joe (Elizabeth) and Tommy (Fran); and multiple nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her husband Stanley F. Ricketts, parents, Stanly and Faye Livingston, and her brother, Don (Delores) Livingston.

Pallbearers are: John Keasler, Bill Livingston, Stan Livingston, Bo Livingston, Mark Livingston, and Matthew Livingston.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, March 29, 2026 at First Baptist Church of Bryson City with Dr. John Taqliarini officiating.

Burial will follow at Swain Memorial Park.

The family will receive friends at the church from 1-2 Sunday afternoon.

In lieu of flowers, please donate your favorite book to your local church, school, or community library.

Blyth Funeral Home & Cremation Services in Greenwood, along with Crisp Funeral Home in Bryson City are assisting the family.