Obituary of Carol Patricia Major

Carol Patricia Major, 75, of Bedford passed away peacefully on Monday (11/06/23) at her home with family present.

Born at Fort Lewis, Washington, Carol was the daughter of the late William J. Major, Sr. and Alice Boulter Major. Carol lived a life of dedicated service to others. She graduated from the Kings Park State Hospital School of Nursing in 1969 as a Registered Nurse. She earned a Master of Science degree in Nursing as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist through George Washington University.

Carol was commissioned as a Captain in the United States Air Force in 1980 and served with distinction for over 12 years achieving the rank of Major as well as numerous military awards and medals including the Air Force Achievement Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, and the Meritorious Service Medal.  In 1983, Carol was selected for the United States Air Force Association Juanita Redmond Award for excellence in clinical nursing which is the United States Air Force’s highest recognition and achievement in Nursing.

After her military service, Carol continued medical service as a CRNA at numerous hospitals in South Carolina and Virginia. Carol completed her career at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital in 2012. In all, Carol Major demonstrated medical proficiency, thoughtfulness, and empathetic service to others for over 43 years.

Carol is survived by five siblings: William J. Major, Jr (Terry) of Chapel Hill, NC; Bruce (Jane) Major of Newport Beach, CA; Robert (Suzanne) Major of Ocean Isle, NC; Greg Dahl (Elaine) of Stillwater, OK; and Cheryl Major Henderson (Kurt) of Pittsboro, NC; along with eight nieces and nephews and eleven grand nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends beginning at 2 PM on Saturday, November 11, 2023 at Updike Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Bedford and a memorial service, with military honors and a Nightingale service will follow at 3 PM in the chapel.  

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation (t2t.org) or the Fisher House Foundation for military families (fisherhouse.org).