Carol Leathers

Carol Ann (Houghton) Leathers, age 87, of Greensboro, passed away peacefully Sunday, October 12, 2025. She was born December 8, 1937, in Mansfield, Massachusetts, daughter to the late Cornelius Houghton and Jessie Houghton.

Carol grew up and spent her young adult years in Massachusetts in the area between Cape Cod and Boston before marrying James Leathers and moving many times during their tenure in the United States Air Force. She never lost her Boston accent, and always reminisced fondly of her hometown.

Dubbed “Goofy Grandma” by her young grandchildren, because of her laughter and silliness on their long distance phone calls, she was henceforth proud to be called “Goofy” by family and most friends. She will be remembered fondly for her unique ability to connect with children. Though she often called herself the “class clown,” she was a born storyteller and entertainer, and loved to regale people with tales of her life experiences. She will be remembered for her incredible Faith in God, her courage, off-the-cuff sense of humor, infectious laughter, shameless spoiling of her grandchildren and great grandchildren, and selfless nature. Carol would give a stranger the shirt off her back, and loved all animals big and small, but most especially her “kitty cats.” She cared nothing for makeup or jewelry, but loved designer handbags.

Carol emphatically enjoyed shopping and “garage sale-ing,” for treasures and gifts to bestow on others. Above all, she was a voracious student of the Word of God for more than 40 years. She loved Jesus fiercely and it is evident how many people she shared her faith with even to her last breath. Her family rejoices in the knowledge that she has finally met her Heavenly Savior, and been reunited with her long lost friends and family.

She was preceded in death by James Leathers; her parents, her brother John Houghton, and sister, Patricia Keeler; Carol is survived by her children, Cindy Hollander (Judd), and Kathy Phillips (Terry); her grandchildren Katie Wilmoth (Tom), Kristen Phillips (Sarah); her great grandchildren, Delilah Wilmoth, Maddox Wilmoth, and Charlotte Wilmoth, her sister-in-law Mary Leathers Bressler, her “Daughter-In-Love” Malin Oh, as well as her “Sisters-In-Christ” Martha Pierce and Ruth Workman.

The family would like to express their loving gratitude to the compassionate staff of Terra Bella Assisted Living, Authoracare Collective, and her heaven-sent private caregiver for their tender care and guidance during her transition.

A private family memorial is planned at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in her memory to one of her favorite charities: Precept Ministries, Samaritan’s Purse, Tunnel To Towers Foundation, or St. Jude Children’s Hospital.

Wright Funerals-Cremations, High Point is in charge of arrangements.