Carolyn Byrd Hoots, 85, passed away November 29, 2014. The funeral service will be conducted Thursday at 1:30 p.m. in the Wilkerson Funeral Chapel. Burial will be in Pinewood Memorial Park. Carolyn was born on April 5, 1929 to the late Sylvia Wood and James Dewey Byrd in Wilkesboro, NC. Thanks to the help of her Granny Byrd, she attended Pfeiffer Junior College and Appalachian State Teachers College obtaining a Bachelors of Science in Education. She continued her studies at Western Carolina University where she earned a Masters in Special Education. Carolyn taught school in various cities but spent the majority of her career teaching special education students at Falkland Elementary School in Pitt County. She retired in May 1994. Carolyn was a member of The Memorial Baptist Church in Greenville where she had volunteered in the office. She was also a member of the Lila Bendall Sunday School class. She enjoyed reading, playing bridge, watching Duke Basketball, and cheering for Pirate football. She loved spending time with her family and many friends who were often amused by her quick wit. All those who knew her will miss her tremendously. She was incredibly patient, generous, and loving. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her sister, Glenda Smithey and her brother, James Dewey Byrd Jr. She is survived by her three children, William Thomas Hoots and wife Barbara, Rachel Hoots Sult, and Patricia Hoots Rinald and husband Dan. She also leaves behind five grandchildren and one great grandson; Ian Hoots and wife Lori, Kathleen Hoots, Kevin Rinald, Elaine Rinald, Megan Rinald, and Nathan Hoots. The family will receive friends at Wilkerson Funeral Home Thursday from 12:30 to 1:30 pm prior to the service.