Carol Ann Pritt, 81, passed away peacefully on May 26, 2026. Born on September 18, 1944 in North Carolina, Carol was the daughter of James Richard Gay, Jr. and Reba Murray Gay. She spent her life devoted to her family, creating a home filled with love, resilience, and unwavering support for those she cherished most.
Carol attended Maury High School and, shortly thereafter, married the love of her life, Charles Edward Pritt. The two met at a skating rink, beginning a marriage filled with devotion and partnership. Charles proudly served in the United States Navy and was fortunate to remain stationed in Norfolk throughout his career. Together they built a life centered around family and raised their three children in Hampton Roads.
Above all else, Carol loved being a mother and homemaker. Her family was the center of her world. When Charles passed away at the young age of 49, Carol faced the difficult task of keeping her family afloat with remarkable strength and determination. Having already studied beauty school and cut hair from home for years, she continued working hard to provide for those she loved. Throughout her life, she worked as a switchboard operator for Tidewater Community College and Best Products, and later as a clerk for Dillard’s, Macy’s, and S&K Men’s Wear.
Carol found joy in simple and beautiful things. She loved traveling through the mountains, especially driving along Skyline Drive and admiring the breathtaking scenery of the Blue Ridge Mountains. She treasured her lifelong friendship with her beloved sisters. The bond they shared remained strong throughout their entire lives.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband, Charles Edward Pritt; her brother, Robert Richard Gay; and her cherished puppies, Buddy, Heidi and Bella.
Carol is survived by her children, Kimberly Joyner, Deborah (John) Johnson, and Charles Pritt, Jr.; her 10 grandchildren, Candice (Rick) Proctor, Brad (Lexi) Joyner, Hunter (Kelsea) Johnson, Justin (Josh) Johnson, Josh (Arianna) Johnson, Skylhr (Haley) Pritt, Morgan Pritt, Josiah Pritt, and twins Noah and Nathan Pritt; her 5 great-grandchildren, Rylynne, Charlie, Juniper, Konrad, and Braxton; siblings Linda (Mark) Gow, Gail Gay, Donna (Steve) Emrick, and Donald (Jill) Gray; as well as 11 nieces and 10 nephews.
Carol will be dearly remembered for her strength, loyalty, kindness, and the deep love she gave so freely to her family and friends.
A visitation will be held on Sunday, May 31, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. at Altmeyer Funeral Home Southside Chapel, where a funeral service will begin at 12:00 p.m. A graveside service will follow at 2:30 p.m. at Forest Lawn Cemetery.
