Carol Estabrook Dorrough was a force of nature—not warm and fuzzy—but she was your very best friend when you needed one. And most of us needed one. Carol passed away on Saturday, February 1, 2025 in Murrells Inlet, SC after a valiant battle with cancer.

 

Born at George Washington Hospital in Washington, D.C., Carol grew up in Bethesda, MD, attended Walt Whitman High School, and obtained a master’s degree in financial management from Hood College. Carol’s first job was with Marriott Corporation headquarters where she worked for 18 years. She commented on how every year, J.W. Marriott, Jr., would shake hands with everyone at headquarters, always remembering their first name. Carol worked for ICMA Retirement Corporation, followed by a short stint at her brother’s company Enterprise Woodcraft & Design. Later she was a Director at the Fertilizer Institute of Washington, D.C.

 

One of Carol’s modes of relaxation and physical therapy, which might have been prompted by a challenge from her ex-husband, was the weekly mowing of the three acres of grass surrounding her home in Adamstown, MD. She spoke of it often and would fondly comment on her John Deere tractor. Carol frequented Firestone’s Culinary Tavern in Frederick, MD over many years. This was where you could meet the spectrum of humanity, ranging from a rocket scientist to a home builder to people on both sides of the political landscape. Carol was outspoken, would engage anyone in conversation, and preferred her Woodford neat.

 

Carol met Bob Dorrough at a neighbor’s backyard party, and they fell madly in love. For many years they travelled, shared Bob’s passion for automobiles, and built a home in Murrells Inlet, SC. Bob was a hands-on hot rod enthusiast, and they would visit numerous car shows across the country—he loved sharing his 1934 Chevy stories with everyone. Bob passed away in 2012 from a long battle with mesothelioma.

 

Carol is survived by her sister Laurie Estabrook Buell (Michael), brother Randy Estabrook (Marie Bundy), son Michael Clements, stepdaughters Chontelle Hockenbery (Bryan), Chrissie Harney (Paul); grandchildren Nicqolas and Jacob Clements (Allie), Gavin and Kylee Hockenbery (Hunter), Loran and Greg Lillard, Megan and Morgan Harney, Tina Kelly (Blake); great-grandchildren Archie Clements, Adayln Lillard, Charlotte Kelly, Penelope Kelly and numerous nieces and nephews; and many, many friends. Proceeded in death her parents and her sister, Tracy Johnson (Jimmy)

 

The family will be receiving friends at 10:00 am followed by a memorial service to begin 11:00 am on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, at Bush Creek Church of The Brethren, 4821 Green Valley Road, Monrovia, MD 21770. Interment to follow at Pleasant Hill Cemetery 4821 Green Valley Road, Monrovia, MD 21770

Luncheon to follow in the fellowship hall at Bush Creek Church of the Brethren.

 

In lieu of flowers donations in Carol’s name may be made to the American Cancer Society, www.cancer.org .