Carol Edwina Bentley

Carol E. Bentley, 79, of Concord, passed away peacefully at her home on Tuesday, August 11, 2026.

A funeral service celebrating Carol's life will be held at 3:00 p.m. Sunday, August 23, 2026, at All Saints Episcopal Church, officiated by Father John. Following the service, the family will greet friends in the church's Living Room.

Carol was born December 1, 1946, to the late Arthur and Joyce Bentley. A lifelong Concordian at heart, Carol's life also took her well beyond her hometown before eventually bringing her back to the community and people she loved so dearly.

A graduate of Concord High School, class of 1964, Carol continued her education at American University in Washington, D.C. Following college, she remained in Washington and began what would become a lifelong connection to books, information and libraries. Carol worked for The Washington Post as a research and reference librarian, an experience that remained a source of wonderful stories throughout her life. While in DC she also work on several political campaigns. When she returned home to Concord in the early 1980s, she continued that calling through her work with the local library system.

For more than two decades, Carol was a familiar and beloved face at the library. She was a natural fit for the work-not simply because she loved books and reading, but because she genuinely loved people. Carol was an extrovert who could strike up a conversation nearly anywhere, and it was not unusual for someone to recognize her around town from their years of visiting the library. Even after retirement, the library remained an important part of her life. She continued giving her time and energy through the Friends of the Library, including serving as its president. Carol also worked part-time at Belk over the years, another role that suited someone who so enjoyed being around others.

Carol believed strongly in giving back to her community. Through the years, she volunteered with organizations including the night shelter and Junior Charity League and remained involved in causes that were meaningful to her. Her church family at All Saints Episcopal Church was also an important part of her life and faith.

Away from work and volunteering, Carol was an avid reader and movie lover, with a particular fondness for James Bond films. But the center of Carol's world was always her family. She was especially devoted to her daughter, Leila, and treasured being "Nana" to her grandchildren, JD and Olivia. She loved being present in their lives, whether that meant watching them play soccer, attending swim meets or simply spending ordinary time together. Those everyday moments with her family were among the things she valued most.

Carol also shared an especially close bond with her mother, Joyce. The two were familiar faces together around Concord for many years-even their regular trips to the post office became part of the rhythm of their lives. There is comfort for those who loved Carol in knowing that she is now reunited with Joyce and her father, Arthur.

Carol will be remembered for her outgoing personality, her curiosity, her love of conversation and books, and the genuine interest she took in the people around her. Hers was a life woven deeply into the fabric of Concord: through the library, her church, her community involvement, longtime friendships and, most importantly, the family she loved.

She is survived by her daughter, Leila McMillan and husband Joe Glasser; her beloved grandchildren, JD and Olivia McMillan, and Jack Glasser; and a number of extended family members, cousins and dear friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to the Friends of the Library or All Saints Episcopal Church, two organizations that reflect important parts of Carol's life.