Carol Ann Breece Young

Carol Ann Breece Young, 87, of Swannanoa, passed away on Thursday, November 5, 2026. She was born to the late Sue Breece in Craggy. She was preceded in death by her husband, John C. Young, and siblings, Richard “Dick” Breece, and Paula Cole.

Carol Ann was a smart, capable, and driven woman. She learned the ins-and-outs of tax preparation from Ray Kimmel and served a large number of clients Western North Carolina. She also worked for the North Carolina Independent Living Program.

She was a passionate gardener and home chef who took great pride in her home and garden. Carol Ann and husband, John, built their home in Buckeye Cove, and lived there for over 60 years. She loved working on projects and crafts, and enjoyed cooking, quilting, tailoring and cake decorating. She was a loyal Tar Heels basketball and Atlanta Braves baseball fan. She enthusiastically cheered them on at every opportunity. A big fan of Elvis and the Statler Brothers, Carol Ann loved seeing them in person in Asheville. She enjoyed traveling both in the United States and in Europe. She especially enjoyed London and Assisi, Italy.

Carol Ann was a life-long Episcopalian and a member of the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer in Asheville. She served her church family as a Sunday school teacher and as a member of the Episcopal Church Women and Altar Guild. She researched, collected and compiled the church history using early photos beginning with Dr. Francis Willis, who erected the church as a chapel on his property. Carol Ann was an inspiration and mother figure to many girls and young women in both her church and her community. She had strong values and an overflowing love for her family and friends.

She is survived by her two daughters, Tammy Young and Deanna Stone; her son-in-law, Matt Stone; her brother Gary Breece; and nephew, David Cole.

A funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 10, at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church. Her family will greet friends after the service. Burial will follow at Ashelawn Gardens of Memory.

In lieu of flowers, donations made in Carol Ann’s memory may be made to the Veterans Restoration Quarters, Asheville, with “Culinary Skills Assistance Fund” designation or to the Each One Teach One Through Food organization with “General Fund” designation.