Committal
Jeffrey Reid Carswell, 63, of Morganton, NC passed away peacefully on Friday, January 5, 2024 after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. He was born in Morganton on July 25, 1960 to the late Wilbert “Wimp” Reid Carswell and Betty “Joanne” Carswell. Jeff attended Freedom High School and received a golf scholarship to Gardner Webb University, where he graduated with a Bachelor’s in Business Management and Accounting. It was in college that he met the love of his life, Janet, to whom he was married to for 40 years. Jeff was in the banking industry for 38 years and finished his career at First Citizens Bank. He was an avid golfer and active member of his community serving in various leadership roles. He was a devoted member of First Baptist Church of Morganton.
Surviving is his mother, Joanne Cline Carswell; wife, Janet Penley Carswell; daughters, Kaitlin Carswell Bensch (Jonathan) and Keri Jo Carswell (Connor Clark); grandchildren, Carswell “Wells” and Grace Bensch; sister, Sandra “Sandy” Carswell Lonon (Rodger); niece, Kristen Lonon Gaston (John Neely).
The family will receive friends from 1-3 p.m. January 13, 2024 in the sanctuary at First Baptist Church of Morganton. A memorial service will begin at 3 p.m. with Dr. Thomas A. Bland, Jr. officiating. There will be a gathering, following the service, to celebrate Jeff’s life at Mimosa Hills Country Club.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Blue Ridge Healthcare Foundation who will designate contributions to the UNC Health Blue Ridge Cancer Center’s general fund.
The family is very appreciative of the medical care and support provided by the medical staff of UNC Health Blue Ridge.
Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.
Tribute Wall
Leave a tribute for Jeffrey Reid Carswell.
Janet,Kaitlin, and Kerri Jo, Remember this is just an interruption from your precious husband and daddy. You will be reunited with him in Paradise at a later date. Jeff was a quiet Christian gentleman that loved his sweet family dearly. We pray it will ease pain knowing he is in the arms of Jesus. We love you, Tim and Phyllis Wilson
I knew Jeff from Glen Alpine elementary days. It is hard to think he is gone.All the best to his family during this difficult time.
So sorry to hear of Jeff’s passing. He was a good friend and I enjoyed working with Jeff on several committees at First Baptist Church and Western Piedmont Community College. He will surely be missed. Our condolences to Janet and other members of his family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Joann, Janet, and family. I worked with Jeff for many years. He was truly inspirational in his humble manner and the way he treated everyone with respect. Whether you had $200 or $200,000 in your account he gave his best advice. He was a man of character. I have worked an office away from him for the past several years while he was struggling with cancer. He always managed to say hello and asked how my family was. I’m sure that he probably didn’t feel like it most of the time but he always made an effort and put a smile on his face. I was blessed to call him a co worker and a friend.
I am so sorry to hear about Jeff's passing. I worked with Jeff at First Citizens Bank. He was a wonderful person. He loved to hit the bell at the drive-thru and as soon as I rushed down, he just grinned with that smile if his. Always a true joy to be around. Prayers being lifted for his family as you go through this very difficult time.
Carswell family: My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. I work with Jeff at First Citizens and he was a great banker, but an even better person. He was a selfless leader and cared deeply about our associates and our clients. He will be missed.
Janet,Joanne, Sandy, and all the Family, You have my deepest sympathy in the loss of Jeff, I remember him growing up in Calvin Heights Baptist Church, He was always so polite and such a special young man . Jeff sure will be missed by Everyone, May God Bless You and your family ❤️🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻💙
Janet and Family, I first got to know Jeff when he was a young teenager playing golf at MHCC. My first impressions were how well mannered he was and so courteous on the course. I watched Jeff grow into prince of a man and serve his community so graciously. His banking career was stellar and as a long time proponent and board member of First Citizens I was thrilled to have him on the First Citizens team. Jeff lived his life in service to others and that is a life well lived. Please know that thoughts and prayers are with your family. With Sympathy, Steve Gregory
Sad news to hear of Jeff's passing. Jeff was a wonderful man and I was privileged to get to know him while he and family lived in Belmont. My prayers go out to Janet, Kaitlin, Keri Jo, and entire family.