Carole Elaine Bowdre

Carole Elaine Hollingsworth Smith Bowdre, a woman whose life was defined by love, strength, grace, and an unmistakable joy for living, passed away suddenly on March 16, 2026, while doing what she loved most, traveling the world. She left this earth aboard a Viking cruise in the breathtaking beauty of Norway, a place she had long dreamed of seeing, where she was even blessed with the wonder of the Northern Lights.

Born on August 18, 1948, in Fayetteville, North Carolina, to the late Arthur McNeill Hollingsworth and Mary Frances Shumate Hollingsworth. From her mother, who shared her love of cooking she even had some of her recipes published in the Fayetteville Observer, Carole inherited a natural gift in the kitchen, one she would carry with her throughout her life, bringing comfort, joy, and togetherness to so many.

Carole’s adventurous spirit led her to a career as a flight attendant with National Airlines, which later became Pan Am. During her time living in Miami, Florida, she embraced life fully and met her first husband, Robert Lee Smith, a player for the Miami Dolphins. Together they began a family and later moved to Bennettsville, South Carolina, where Bob became the athletic director at Marlboro Academy. It was there they welcomed their beautiful daughter, Robyn Leigh Smith.

After the heartbreaking loss of her first husband, Carole showed remarkable strength and resilience. She devoted herself to raising her daughter with unwavering love and determination, proving time and time again the depth of her courage, all while earning a degree in Psychology and Business from Francis Marion University.

Life had more love in store for Carole. Through a twist of fate- a canceled flight due to weather- she met the man who became the love of her life, James Blair Bowdre. Their love story was one of true partnership and devotion. Jim stepped into Carole and Robyn’s lives with an open heart, embracing his role as a father without hesitation. Together, they built a beautiful life, first in Florence, South Carolina, where they welcomed two daughters, Holly and Blair, and later returning to Bennettsville in 1990 to her dream home on Lake Wallace, a place filled with laughter, gatherings, and cherished memories.

Carole was truly the life of the party. Known for her vibrant personality and generous spirit, she had a way of making every room brighter. She loved entertaining, and her home was often filled with friends, family, music, and incredible food. Whether she was singing along to Patsy Cline or preparing a meal that brought everyone together, Carole created moments that people would never forget.

Her professional life reflected her compassion and dedication to others. She worked for Midgley Agency for many years in insurance before following her heart into hospice care, where she spent nearly two decades offering comfort and dignity to those in their final days. This calling naturally led her into the funeral service industry, where she and Jim owned Myrtle Beach Funeral Home for over 15 years. Together, they served countless families with honor, empathy, and respect, leaving a lasting impact on their community.

Carole found peace and happiness at the beach, especially at her beloved home along the Intercoastal Waterway. She and Jim spent countless hours on their porch, watching the boats pass by, sharing quiet moments and simple joys. They also shared a love for shag dancing, often attending competitions and lighting up the dance floor together-always ready to “cut a rug” and have fun.

Above all, Carole’s greatest joy was her family. She is survived by her loving husband of 42 years, James Bowdre; her three daughters, Robyn McColl and  her husband Lanse, Holly Glover and her husband Andrew, and Blair Bowdre and her partner Seth. She was a proud and devoted grandmother to Mary Lansing McColl, Lee McColl, Smith McColl, Addison Glover, Ford Glover, and Kirkland Pitcher, each of whom brought immeasurable joy to her life. She also leaves behind her cherished fur baby Arthur, who brought her so much joy.

She is also survived by her dear sister, Debbie Cashwell and her husband Dennis, along with their daughter Kimberly Cashwell, as well as many nieces, nephews, and an extended circle of treasured friends who meant the world to her.

Carole touched countless lives with her kindness, warmth, and generosity. Whether through her cooking, her laughter, her music, or the comfort she provided during life’s most difficult moments, she left a mark that will never fade.

Though she will be deeply missed, her family finds peace in knowing she departed this world exactly as she lived, embracing adventure, surrounded by beauty, and fulfilling a dream she held close to her heart. Her legacy lives on in the love she gave, the lives she touched, and the memories that will be cherished forever.

Family will receive friends from 4:00pm till 6:00pm Saturday, March 28, 2026 at Myrtle Beach Funeral Home, 4505 Hwy 17 Bypass South, Myrtle Beach SC. 29577

Funeral Services will be held 3:00pm Sunday, March 29, 2026 at Belin Memorial United Methodist Church, 4182 US-17 Business, Murrells Inlet SC. 29576.  Burial will follow in the Church Cemetery, directed by Myrtle Beach Funeral Home.

After services on Sunday everyone is invited to Inlet Affairs Catering, 4024 US-17 Business, Murrells Inlet, SC. 29576 for a time to celebrate and remember the life of Carole Bowdre.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.