Carol (Wiggins) Burris

Carol Lavelt Wiggins Burris, 87, passed away Thursday evening, November 26, 2020, at Glenn A. Kiser Hospice House.

Born October 1, 1933, in Honolulu, Hawaii, she was the daughter of the late Robert Lafayette Wiggins and Lorita Coelho Wiggins. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, David Wayne Burris; her brother, Robert Lanny Wiggins; a granddaughter, Casey Lorita Cagle and a great-grandson, Joshua Wayne Hilliard.

Carol was born in Honolulu, HI, and graduated from Winecoff High School in Concord.  She was married in Chesterfield, SC, in 1951, to David Wayne Burris, and this union was blessed with four children. Carol graduated as an ordained minister from Faith Bible College and later retired as an operating room technician with Atrium Health, formerly Cabarrus Hospital. She served with her husband, Wayne, as assistant pastor.  During their ministry, they released an album “Gospel Time”. Upon the death of her husband, Carol served as pastor for 30 years, eventually retiring from Jesus Life Victory Center.  For several years after retirement, Carol was a guest minister at various churches. She was also the president of Twin City Evangelistic Association and established Faith Bible School during her tenure as pastor. Carol also helped establish a church in Haiti and supported ministry in Israel. She has traveled to other countries on mission trips and was beloved by those she pastored. Carol readily visited the sick and ministered to families for a variety of needs, no matter the time of day, night, holiday or location. Carol was truly a living example of Christ living within her, and her love for Jesus was reflected throughout her life to stranger, coworker, friend and family, in thought and deed.  Carol’s footsteps upon earth may be over, however, her footsteps in heavenly places with her Lord has just begun and the excitement of being in the presence of her Savior filled her with joy.

Family members left with cherished memories include her children, Sherri Meyers, Tanya Staton (Lynn), Lorita Cagle and Eric Burris (Deana); grandchildren, Jeremy Staton (Tracy), Tiffany Cartner, James Meyers, Jr., Melanie McGee , David Cagle (Abigail), Nathan Burris (Tasha), twins Johnathan and Jessica Cagle, and Tyler Burris (Natasha); great-grandchildren, Alyssa Staton, Brianna Cartner, Jeremiah Meyers, Issac L. Staton (Tatiana), Hailey Burris, Joshua L. Cartner (Macey), Adrean McGee, Violet Barrett Meyers, Jadyn Burris, Nicholas Cartner, Malachi Burris, Brylan Burris, Xayne Cagle, Ella Grace Burris, Alexander James,  Xaiden Cagle, Audrey June Cagle and Kallista, Keilan and Dylan; her nephews, Rick (Susan), Nick and Kyle Burris.

The family will receive friends Wednesday, December 2, 2020, from 1:00-2:00 pm at Whitley’s Funeral Home.  Funeral services to remember and celebrate Carol’s life will begin at 2:00 p in the funeral home chapel conducted by Eric Burris and Scott Christy, pastors.  Mrs. Burris will be laid to rest beside her husband at Carolina Memorial Park following the service.