PUBLIC NOTICE: Flags Lowered to Half-Staff in Honor of Caroline Hayes Bentley

August 13, 2025

By order of Statesville Mayor Constantine H. Kutteh, the City of Statesville will lower the United States and North Carolina flags at all municipal buildings to half-staff beginning Thursday, August 14, 2025, in honor of Caroline Hayes Bentley, beloved spouse of former Statesville Mayor Dr. Ralph Bentley.

Caroline was a cherished member of our community, remembered for her deep faith, quiet generosity, and tireless service to others. She lived by the principle “Love thy neighbor as thyself,” working behind the scenes to clothe and feed those in need. She helped non-English speakers learn the language using the “each one teach one” method, was active in the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), supported historic preservation efforts in Statesville, and devoted her life to strengthening both her church and community.

Flags will remain at half-staff through August 17, 2025, as we honor her memory and extend our deepest condolences to the Bentley family.

About the City of Statesville

The City of Statesville is truly a diverse community that welcomes new people, new voices and ideas, new industry, and business. We have already made significant investments in our downtown amenities, our business sector, our schools, our infrastructure, and more is on the horizon. We are creating a dynamic future for ourselves as we build on our successful history and the positive energy we experience today, all the while incorporating the values and quality of life that we cherish. To learn more visit www.statesvillenc.net.