Carol McClees Toppin

 Carol McClees Swain Toppin, 76, of 205 West Lakeside Street, Nags Head, NC, died Monday, July 15, 2024, in ECU Health Medical Center, Greenville.

 Mrs. Toppin was born in Tyrrell County on October 25, 1947, and was the daughter of the late W. Borden and Margaret Ange McClees. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her first husband, Richard “Ricky” Swain, by their infant daughter, Sherry, by a cousin, Debbie Ange Ayscue, by her faithful canine companion, Bo, and her beloved cat, Lucky.

 A graduate of Tyrrell County High School, she was voted “Miss Columbian” in 1966. She later continued her education and graduated from East Carolina University in May of 1970 with a Bachelor’s of Science in Education. A retired teacher, she had worked in the Media Departments of schools in Jamesville, Ayden, Kinston, Robersonville, and lastly at Pines Elementary in Plymouth in a career that spanned 28 years.

 During her summer breaks from teaching, Carol enjoyed traveling worldwide with her mom and dad. She meticulously journaled every aspect of her travels. In addition, Carol and her late husband, Richard, had a keen interest in Civil War artifacts. In 2018, she generously contributed a substantial collection of those artifacts in his memory to NC Dept. of Cultural Resources which were catalogued and distributed to Civil War historic sites in North Carolina, allowing everyone the opportunity to appreciate them. She was also passionate about preserving the cultural heritage of Columbia and collaborated with local organizations to promote historical awareness.

 Carol was an active Christian in the community, being raised in the Methodist faith and more recently as health permitted attending Columbia Christian Church. She and her husband Ron shared a love for the Outer Banks and its soft golden sand and soothing waves as they lapped the seashore. They were married on the beach near Jennette’s Pier in Nags Head on July 8, 2011. They enjoyed dining out, supporting the Republican Party, and spending time with family and friends.

 Surviving is her husband, Ronald W. “Ron” Toppin; an uncle and aunt, Ray and Jean McClees and cousins, Denise McClees (Tommy Sears), Dennis McClees (wife, Pauline), and Rob McClees, all of Columbia, cousins, Walker Ange Dean (husband, Larry) of Lexington, KY, Howard Ange of Danville, KY, Cindy Ange Brown (husband, Calvin) of Jamesville, and Curtis Ange (wife, Elan) of Chocowinity. Also surviving is Ron’s family, his children, Beverly Storck of Greenville, Brad Toppin (wife, Stacey) of Pungo, Renee Beacham (husband, Will) of Farmlife, Randy Toppin of Jamesville, Chris Toppin (wife, Chris Ann) of Mundelein, Illinois, and Ron Toppin, Jr. (wife, Christian) of Old Ford; 20 grandchildren, and 8 great-grandchildren. She leaves three brothers-in-law, E.C. Toppin (wife, Brenda), Ray Toppin (wife, Idonna), and Charles Swain, and their families; and a longtime friend and neighbor from Winterville, Gary Pastor (wife, Lisa, and their son, Grant).

 Friends may visit with the family on Saturday, July 27th, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Bryan Funeral Service, 162 LA Keiser Drive, Columbia.

 A memorial service will be held Sunday, July 28th, at 4:00 p.m. in the chapel of Miller & Van Essendelft Funeral Home & Crematory, 735 Virginia Road in Edenton. There the family will receive friends immediately following the service.

 In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation (at www.parkinson.org), to the American Stroke Association (at www.stroke.org), or to a church of one’s choice.