Caroline Elizabeth Brewer

Caroline Wood Brewer passed away on Friday, May 17, 2019 at 97. Friends and family knew her as “Tal”. She lived an active life, involved with family, work, church, and an interest in nature. As a graduate of UNC-G, she married William Brewer and lived in Monroe except for a few years out West during William’s military service. She is preceded in death by William and survived by sons, Bill, John and Jim; five grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. Family was very important. She valued family gatherings and enjoyed every opportunity to be involved with everyone, especially grandchildren. True to her generation, she had a strong work ethic. Hers was channeled into a florist business that she owned and operated for over 50 years in Monroe. In the community, however, her involvement with First Presbyterian Church of Monroe is how most recognized her hard work, commitment, strong faith and outgoing personality. As Elder and Worship Committee Chair, she knew every member, from newest to oldest and always seemed to have a personal connection to each. To the favor of some and to the disfavor of others, she was known as a stickler for following the book of church order as applied to services, decorations, choir attire and other things. She was presented the Woman of the Church Lifetime Membership and in 2007 recognized with the title of Elder Emeritus. Of all church involvement, her strongest interest and passion was the church choir that she participated in continuously for over 70 years. As a soloist in the early years, to Choir President for decades, she promoted the choir in every possible way. It was obvious that to her the music was not just an integral part of the service, but the most important part of the service. After church and family, her interest and love of nature absorbed much energy and time. The yard was a collection of flowering shrubs, groundcovers and wild flowers. Much was done to attract birds and her knowledge of birds and ornamental plants was impressive. A lifelong bird list was kept. Notes on fertilizing and pruning plants were kept in a journal. Vacations and weekend trips were always to places of natural interest. There were trips to the mountains to see wildflowers and trips to the beach to collect shells and fish with sons. For her, every endeavor seemed fueled with energy and enthusiasm, and as with the passing of others from her generation there is a loss to the community and a void difficult to fill. However, the choir continues through others she inspired. The Chrismon tree that she worked on so tirelessly continues to be the center of Christmas services. The backyard continues to be a bird haven where there is always something in bloom. And, the value she placed on family, church and nature continues through the family she taught, influenced and inspired. Funeral services will be Monday, May 20, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. in First Presbyterian Church, with burial to follow in Lakeland Memorial Park. The family will visit with friends and relatives on Sunday, May 19, 2019 from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. in Gordon Funeral Service, 1904 Lancaster Avenue, Monroe, NC. Online condolences may be made at www.gordonfuneralservice.com Gordon Funeral Service and Crematory is caring for the Brewer family.