Carol Ann Shao, was born on November 13, 1959, in Suffolk, Virginia, to Willard and Elinor Branch and passed away peacefully on January 3, 2025. Carol graduated from Old Dominion University in 1982 with a Bachelor's Degree in Marketing and Business Administration.

A devoted wife to Alan Shao throughout the childhood of her daughters, Janine and Victoria, and son Alan II, Carol's life was a testament to the joy and fulfillment found in nurturing others. Her servant's heart shone brightly through her involvement in her children's schools, church activities, children's orphanages and animal shelters. She was both creative and caring – whether reading bedtime stories, teaching her children to bake, or making holidays and birthdays unforgettable.

Carol was an exceptional cook whose meals were seasoned not only with skill but with love. Her laughter was infectious, her presence calming, and her dedication to her family unwavering. As a grandmother to Weldon, Calder, and Anders Benson, she brought magic into their lives. Carol cherished her 54 year friendship with her best friend Rhonda Phippins and was blessed with many joyful moments with her sister Marie Malkiewicz and Priscilla Shao. While her absence leaves an immeasurable void, her legacy of love, selflessness and servanthood will remain etched in the hearts of all who knew her.

To those who knew her, she was a source of inspiration and a beacon of kindness. Her faith was steadfast, reflected beautifully in the verse she held dear: "The Lord gives the word; the women who announce the news are a great host" (Psalm 68:11).

Carol is predeceased by her father, Willard Branch, her mother, Elinor Branch, and her son, Alan Shao II. Carol is survived by Alan Shao; her daughters, Janine Shao and Victoria Benson; her son-in-law Vance Benson; her grandchildren, Weldon, Calder, and Anders Benson; and her sister and brother-in-law, Marie and Jim Malkiewicz.

A funeral service will be held Friday, January 10, 2025 at 11:30 a.m. at Parr Funeral Home & Crematory, 3515 Robs Dr., Suffolk, VA with Pastor John Chappell officiating. Burial will follow at Cedar Hill Cemetery, Suffolk, VA. A time of visitation will be held prior to the service from 10:00 – 11:30 a.m. at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Alan II's Legacy, https://alan2legacy.org/ in honor of her late son, Alan Shao II.