Carol
Birmingham
Carol Sue Birmingham, “Goog”, 78 of Fincastle, VA passed away peacefully on May 14th, 2023 surrounded by her husband of 58 years and her 3 girls.
Carol Sue was born on September 19, 1944 to Vincent and Evelyn Chastang in Baltimore MD. As a youngster she love running barefoot, crabbing and swimming in the waters at her home in Rock Creek, MD. After she graduated from Glen Burnie High School in 1962, Carol Sue continued her education at Frostburg College earning a degree in early childhood education. She began her career as a second-grade school teacher and was very passionate about teaching and nurturing young children.
On Oct 17, 1964 she married her high school sweetheart, Robert Birmingham. They have three lovely daughters, Cyndi, Marcy and Nikki. Robert and Carol Sue moved to Roanoke, VA in 1970 so Robert could join her parent’s company, Piedmont Foundry Supply, Inc. Carol Sue continued to teach school and devoted her energy into raising their three girls.
In June 1983 Carol Sue began working for the family business alongside her mother. She loved her work in Human Resources and payroll, planning company events and designing the bulletin boards at the office. At the passing of her parents, Carol Sue became an owner and officer of her family’s company.
Carol Sue was a lady of many passions - an active member of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church as well as a Sunday school teacher, a member of the lady’s guild, a board member of St. Anne’s Episcopal dayschool, a member of Garden Club and a Girl Scout Brownie leader. She was a nature lover; animals, birds, gardens, plants and even rocks. She loved sending cards in the mail, reading books, watching CBS daytime soap operas, traveling, beach combing and floating the waves. Beyond all else she loved family vacations; she was happiest spending her time unconditionally loving her family. Carol Sue doted on her family and was ecstatic when she was surrounded by them all.
Carol Sue treasured her husband and her chidren. She was a dedicated mother first and embraced every moment with them. She especially loved her role as “Googie”. She had a vivacious personality and made people around her feel joyful and loved.
Carol Sue was preceded in death by her parents, Vincent R. Chastang Sr. and Evelyn E. Chastang; her brother Vincent “Buz” Chastang Jr. She is survived and forever remembered by her husband, Robert D. Birmingham, daughters and sons-in-law: Cyndi and Eric Reese, Marcy and Robbie Gallagher, Nikki and John Waff; 7 grandchildren, Corey Gallagher, Branden Bowen and his fiancé Jasmine, Brittany Deisher and her husband Hunter, Kacey Bryan and her husband Dylan, Nicholas Bowen, Garrett Reese, Halle Reese and her three great-grandchildren, Joella Bryan, Weston Bryan and Jonah Deisher.
Carol Sue lived a full life as a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She will be dearly missed and forever in our hearts.
A Memorial service will be held at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 42 E. Main St., Salem, VA at 11:00 am on Saturday May 27, 2023. The service will be officiated by Father James Hubbard and followed by a reception. Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to St. Anne’s Episcopal Dayschool, at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church.
Arrangements by Oakey's East Chapel and Crematory, 540-977-3909.