Carole Anne Rothe Lilly

Carole Anne Rothe Lilly,66, went to be with her Lord and Savior on December 2, 2023. She was born on July 31, 1957, in Hackensack, New Jersey, a daughter of the late Clarence Hilliard Rothe and Louise Brinkerhoff Rothe.

Carole held many positions over the years, ranging from being a loving mother, a nurse, and a minister. There were many churches dear to her including, Terrace View Baptist Church, which she regularly attended, she also supported New Life Church, Carole ministered at Carriage Hill Retirement, in Bedford, after her father died, she was also a former minister at Bread of Heaven Church in Roanoke. In addition to pastoral responsibilities, Carole loved taking care of animals. She had several cats she took care of, including her father’s dog, Clementine. She was affectionately known to people in the neighborhood as the “cat-lady.” Carole often walked to church and more importantly walked the road by her house every day picking up trash and other debris, making sure her road looked spotless. If you ever met Carole, there is a good chance she has a picture of you in her phone. Carole loved to take photos of anybody and anything that brought her happiness in life. Without fail, day after day Carole documented her life through her phone camera. Lastly, she absolutely adored everyone she met, she was always doting on grandkids and loved spending time with them.

In addition to her parents Carole was preceded in death by one brother, Russell Sanborn (Brenda); and many extended family members all of whom she kept track of.

She is survived by the apple of her eye, her son, Steven R. Anderson; two grandsons, Derek M. Anderson (Cindee Nguyen), and Cameron L. Ferguson; one granddaughter, Anaka L. Anderson; two great grandchildren, Edan Anderson and Kenna Anderson; one sister, Pat Christian; one brother, David Sanborn (Barbara); and a gaggle of extended family both born and chosen.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, December 9, 2023, at 2 p.m. at Terrace View Baptist Church, 1040 Matthew Talbot Rd, Forest, VA 24551, with a visitation one hour prior at the church. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made towards Carole's funeral expenses here

Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Lynchburg is assisting the family.