Carol Pristou King
Carol Pristou King, 79, died from heart failure on Saturday, September 5, 2026. Born in 1947 to the late Betsy and Robert Pristou, Carol was preceded in death by her husband of 58 years, Edward “Eddie” Oakley King, Jr. She is survived by her son, Edward “Trace” Oakley King, III (Jacquie); daughter, Laura King Lynch (Joe); grandchildren, Samuel Lynch, Lainey Lynch (Ayden), Ava Lynch, Oakley King, and Claire Lynch; sisters, Pam Pristou Freiheit (Bill), Paige Pristou Whistine (Bob), and Robin Pristou; brother, Gar Pristou (Nanci); and sisters-in-law, Kay Moody and Carol Lee Guest (Paul Perdue); as well as many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family members.
Born in Waynesburg, Pennsylvania, Carol lived in Omaha, Nebraska and Morgantown, West Virginia before moving to Blacksburg, Virginia in 1959. She loved living in Blacksburg and often said that her family’s house on Main Street across from the high school was the perfect place to grow up. Carol graduated from Blacksburg High School in 1965 and attended college at Longwood and Radford before marrying Eddie in 1967. After briefly living in Fort Bragg, NC, Covington and Christiansburg, VA, they moved to Roanoke in 1969. Together, they had two children and five grandchildren.
Spending time with her family was Carol’s greatest joy. She spent much of her life as a homemaker- raising two kids of her own and often entertaining and feeding a houseful of their friends as well. Carol loved going to her children’s and grandchildren’s events, games, and performances. She always had compliments and words of encouragement to share. She was always happy when her children or grandchildren brought their friends to her home. All were welcome at any time.
Carol had her realtor license for a few years and helped run the office at Roanoke Awning and Window. Her favorite job (besides wife, mother, and grandmother) was working for Finlay Fine Jewelry and managing the fine jewelry departments at Miller & Rhoads, Thalheimer’s, and Hect’s. She loved the jewelry and the people. She eventually resigned her position as manager so she could focus on fighting and recovering from cancer. Carol participated in an intense clinical trial at Duke University in 1995 and became a 31 year cancer survivor. She was the only person in her cohort to make it to the 5 year mark… and well beyond!
Carol loved traveling and seeing new places. As a child, her family drove across the country and went camping; as an adult, she and Eddie took their family on many adventures over the years in their RV campers. She visited 48 of the 50 states, and the road trip to Canada and Alaska was one of her favorites. She also enjoyed two special trips with her mother to England in the 1970s and 80s.
Carol served her community by delivering Meals on Wheels for two decades and volunteering at her children’s schools, the local library, and at the Roanoke Valley History Museum in downtown Roanoke. She was an active church member and volunteer at Southview United Methodist Church and later Trinity United Methodist Church. For nearly forty years, Carol frequently gave her talents of cooking and crafting to help at church events and to support the Community Outreach Program at Trinity.
Carol had many interests and talents. In addition to traveling and helping others, Carol loved music, art, theater, photography, jewelry, and crafting. She was a talented artist and photographer. She had an eye for decorating and always made her home look beautiful. More importantly, she and Eddie always opened their lovely home and warmly welcomed family and friends. The more the merrier! Holidays were special gatherings of extended family and friends; many fun traditions and happy memories were made at the King house…both on holidays and ordinary days. Carol was an amazing cook and could quickly whip up a delicious meal for her family of four or for a crowd of 30 or more! Carol loved rooting for the Hokies on TV or in person; tailgating before the football games was an epic event. Family reunions at the King home and their property on the New River in Eggleston were absolutely legendary. Because she touched so many lives with her kindness, playful sense of humor, and generous heart, Carol will be deeply missed. We find comfort in knowing she has been made whole and is joyfully reunited with Eddie and loved ones in heaven.
The family will receive guests from 5:00 – 7:00pm on Thursday, September 10, 2026 at Simpson Funeral Home, 5160 Peters Creek Road Roanoke, VA 24019. A Memorial Service will be held at 1:30pm on Friday, September 11, 2026 at Greene Memorial United Methodist Church, 402 2nd Street Roanoke, VA 24011. A Reception will immediately follow also at the church.
She will be privately interred with Eddie at the SW Veterans Cemetery in Dublin, Virginia.
