Carol Rice Dixon Daniels

Carol Rice Dixon Daniels, 84, of Merritt passed away Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at her home surrounded by the love of her family.

Born in Goose Creek, Pamlico County, North Carolina, on February 8, 1942, she began life surrounded by both loss and love. Shortly after her birth, her mother passed away, and she was lovingly raised by her mother’s sister Mary Helen Rice, instantly becoming part of a larger family. Her early years were spent on the family farm in Goose Creek, where she developed the values of hard work, resilience, and devotion to family that would guide her throughout her life.

On August 19, 1961, she married her high school sweetheart, Bud, beginning a loving partnership that would span decades. As a military wife, she faced the challenges of separation and frequent moves with strength and grace while her husband served overseas. Military life took them on adventures around the world and across the United States, including time in Paris, Hawaii, Florida, South Carolina, California, and New Jersey. Following her husband's retirement from military service in August 1980, she returned to her beloved Pamlico County, where she spent the remainder of her life on the Daniels Farm, the place she proudly called home.

She was a devoted mother not only to her own children but also to countless others who were blessed by her nurturing spirit and generous heart. Her home was always open, and her love extended far beyond her immediate family. Deeply committed to preserving family bonds, she hosted annual family reunions that brought generations together and strengthened connections across the extended family. Through her dedication to family, traditions, and storytelling, she ensured that the family's history, memories, and legacy will continue to live on for generations to come.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Waldon & Bessie Dixon and Lewis & Mary H. Rice; seven brothers; and two sisters.

Carol leaves behind to cherish her memory her loving husband of nearly 65 years, Vernon “Bud” Daniels, Jr.; sons, Vernon J. “Danny” Daniels III (Tanya), David A. Daniels (Kathy), and José Garcia-Gavito (Charo); daughter, Kimberly C. Austin (Arthur); six grandchildren, Caleb Daniels, Natasha Daniels, Rylan Austin, Mallory Austin, José Garcia-Gavito, Jr., and Amalia Garcia-Gavito; two great grandchildren, Tristan Daniels and Blair Daniels; and countless other “adopted” children.

A funeral service to honor her life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, June 23rd at Daniels-Sadler Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will follow immediately in Rawls Cemetery, Arapahoe.

The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.