Carolyn Estelle Westmoreland Banks, 89, passed away on Wednesday, July 22, 2026. She was a native of Buncombe County and the daughter of the late Waldo Walter and Donnie Josephine Shipman Westmoreland. After many years working in the cafeteria, Carolyn retired from West Buncombe Elementary School. She was very creative and excelled at anything she set her mind to. She was a seamstress, an accomplished painter, and loved Elvis, John Wayne, and gardening.

In addition to her parents, Carolyn is preceded in death by her husband, Howard Junior Banks and her son-in-law, Steve Hutchins.

Carolyn is survived by her daughter, Janet Hutchins, son, Johnny Banks (Stephanie Sedberry); sister, Juanita Ratcliff and two brothers, Carl Westmoreland (Judy) and Walter Westmoreland (Diane); grandsons, Elijah and Van Hutchins (Brittany Roberts), special bonus great grandson, Brylan, and several nieces and nephews.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.blueridgefuneralservice.org