Mrs. Carol Ann (Carter) Jones

Mrs. Carol Ann (Carter) Jones of Peoria, IL transitioned from this life to her Heavenly home at 5:38 PM on Thursday, January 9, 2020 at OSF surrounded by family that loved her. Carol was born December 25, 1938 in Peoria, IL to Nellie (Green) and Creal Carter. Carol attended Greeley School and “the old” Manual High School in Peoria. She attended Douglass High School in Columbia, Mo. When she moved back to Peoria she returned to school and earned her High School Equivalency Certificate in Peoria on July 10, 1967. Carol earned a Clerk-General Office diploma at Midstate College in 1971 and her Teacher Aide certification in 1997. Carol’s hard work ethic started early. In Columbia she worked at University Hospital in food service, University of Missouri in housekeeping and Moon Valley Villa as a “salad girl”. When she returned to Peoria, she worked at St. Francis Hospital as a nurse’s aide. Carol began her career in banking at First Federal Savings and Loan as a bank teller. She later moved to Caterpillar Employee Credit Union (CEFCU) and worked there as a teller and loan originator, retiring in 1997 after more than 20 years of service. Carol’s love for children and desire to own her own daycare took her to Peoria Public School. She was a childcare provider for the (Early Childhood Education) STAR Program, retiring in 2009. Carol was a 24 years faithful member of the Carpenter’s House Christian Church. She was the Director of the Food Pantry. She passionately served 17 years and fed 7,140 people. She attended church and contributed consistently until her health prevented her. On Sunday, January 5th Carol took communion as her final act of obedience to God and His ordinances. Carol loved her family. She loved her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She loved attending her grandchildren’s functions, especially Grandparent’s Day. Carol loved celebrating birthdays. She would always host her grandchildren’s birthday parties in her basement on Renwood. She would never miss sending birthday cards. Christmas day was the highlight of them all when the family would gather to celebrate her. Carol loved shopping, especially garage sales. She loved to crochet. She enjoyed playing the lottery. A special highlight was her travel with Albert to Las Vegas, NV, Mexico and Los Angeles, CA. She was an avid fan of tennis and loved watching Venus and Serena. She; enjoyed playing Bingo at Bickford Assisted Living Facility where she was on an extended respite stay. Carol leaves to cherish her most precious memories her loving and devoted husband of 31 years, Albert Jones Sr., of Peoria, IL; children; Dennis Smith Jr. of Fulton, MO, Marlene (Pastor Cedric) Shumate, Lynelle Smith, Albert (Algetha) Jones Jr., Linda Weeks, Annette (Mark) Dismuke and Randy Jones all of Peoria, IL and Cynthia Jones of Minneapolis, MN; one Sister Lorraine Carter of Peoria, IL; 12 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; 2 nieces; Sherry Carter-Allen and Shawanna Frazier, an additional host of other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, three sons, Kenneth Wayne Smith, Glen Allen Smith and Holland Noel Smith; and one grandson, Andre Weeks. Funeral services will be held at 10 AM on Saturday, January 18, 2020 at Rising Sun Christian Church with a visitation beginning at 9 AM. The host Pastor is Rev. John L. Gibson. Pastor Marvin Hightower will officiate and Pastor Cedric Shumate Sr. will bring the eulogy. Carol will be laid to rest at Lutheran Cemetery. Simons Mortuary has been entrusted with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at SimonsMortuary.com.

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Mrs. Carol Ann (Carter) Jones

December 25, 1938 - January 9, 2020