Carol passed away peacefully May 13 after prolonged illness at the age of 86. She was attended to by two of her three surviving children. She was a mother to four overall, with eleven grandchildren, seven great grandchildren and four great-great grandchildren.

Carol defined the term "single mother" before it became an ordinary segment of our culture. She was a mother straight out of high school and so lacked formal training for her entry into the job market. She worked primarily as an administrative and executive assistant in a variety of industries for over forty years. Born in Ohio she spent considerable time in South Florida and later Texas, where she resided prior to her death.

Carol was independent minded and passed this trait onto all of her children. This has led them around the world and back to Texas where her surviving children all live today. Carol enjoyed the outdoors, especially where water was close by. The beach, the lake, on boats or at the pool were likely places you would find her on sunny days. Even in her latter days the time spent with her workout group at the "Y" pool was what she looked forward to the most.

It was not an easy life for Carol, of her own making, but she accepted her part in that without excuse. She instilled her independent spirit and unapologetic nature in her children while providing a positive outlook on life and a loving environment for them to flourish. She will be missed by all who were touched by her grace.