Carol L. Adams
Carol L. Adams, born on November 1, 1933 in Chicago, IL, passed away peacefully, November 1,2023, in her home on her 90th birthday…minutes after her entire family sang Happy Birthday to her on a Zoom call.
Carol is survived by her devoted husband of 71 years, Elvis Adams Jr., brother Ralph Thompson (Shirley) of Niwot, CO, and Mark Thompson (Maryann) of Elgin, IL.
Carol leaves behind her children Elvis E. Adams, Eileen Marta (Walter), Eloise Hernandez, Edwin Adams (Debbie), Elise Schmutzler (Herb) and Ellen Burke (Jim). She was a beloved grandmother to Sarah Nelson (Landon), Melissa Murdock (Peter), Anthony Hernandez (Samantha), Zachary Hernandez, Nick Hernandez (Mimi), Laura Epker (Brendon), Abby Woelfel (Patrick), Brittany Schmutzler, Melanie Thill, Kim Hohenstatt (Ben), Charis Burke (Irving), Christian Burke and Cherie Burke. She was the proud great-grandmother to Faith Nelson, Cameron Hernandez, Samuel Murdock, Eli Murdock, Rodney and Hugo Thill, Holden Nelson, McKinlee Epker, Isaac Murdock, Everly Woelfel, Raven Burke-Royale, Adelyn Hernandez and Avianna Hernandez.
Family was at the heart of everything Carol did. She adored shopping year-round for Christmas gifts for all of her family and friends. She loved her flowers and the beautiful Koi pond she had in her backyard – her favorite place to host a family picnic.
Carol was a life long resident of Downers Grove, graduated Downers Grove High School and enjoyed a long career as a bookkeeper for Elite Electronics in Downers Grove.
Carol was a God fearing, loving, kind, family woman who left an indelible impact on everyone who knew her. She will be greatly missed by her family and many who were blessed enough to know her.
Memorial Visitation Monday November 13, 2023 at 10 A.M. followed by a Memorial Service at 10:30 A.M. at Cappetta’s West Suburban Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 4920 N. Main St., Downers Grove. Interment following at Clarendon Hills Cemetery.
To my favorite cousins, Elvis, Eileen, Eloise, Edwin, Elise and Ellen. I am deeply saddened by the loss of your Mom, and my Aunt Carol. She was so kind, caring and it was obvious to all that her family was her joy. I will remember her most beautiful blue eyes, her love for the Lord, and the love for all of her extended family. My favorite memories of her will always be during Christmas, she was the spirit of Christmas all year round. I am sorry that she had to suffer with pain, but believe she chose to hang on just to hear you all sing to her one last time. I love you all, you have been in my thoughts and prayers during this sad and difficult time.
Liz Roche
Yes. I echo my sister’s sentiments. It feels like there is a hole in the world now. Aunt Carol filled our lives in a special and unique way. Just as she is so special and unique – fearfully and wonderfully made, and now with her Maker. I have fun, everlasting memories of visiting our beautiful Illinois family in the summer time. Aunt Carol looked out for everybody. She truly cared about her family. I remember bugging her in the kitchen as a child during summer cookouts… wondering when the food would be ready. So she’d bring me in and have me help her plate the 1/2 ears of sweet corn and find a serving spoon for the potato salad. She always remembered my birthday, and that really blessed me. I love you Aunt Carol. You are with Jesus. I love you Uncle Al, Elvis, Eileen, Ellie, Elise, Edwin and Ellen. I know this has been a difficult time. I hope you experienced some silver linings of joy. My heart is with you all and your families.
Dearest Children:
Writing to you about your mom is not hard, what is hard and tearful is the fact that she is not here When her birth mom , Thelma, died (she was only 6) an angel came to her and said “don’t be afraid, everything will be all right” I suspect those words were a part of her foundtion in the ups and downs of life.
A few months ago I was inspired to write her a note about how she was a woman with influence and it was felt and caught by any who would be able to see it. I hope she took it in to her spirit. As my departure gets closer, I think a lot about time, God being the creator of time, has decided this is not her “time” and that gives me comfort.
I believe she had the spiritual gift of hospitality. When Ralph and I were dating he brought me to visit your famoly a few times and even in my odd personality I could sense a desire of “wanting” what ever she had in family; I had none. She accepted me as I WAS and that is characteristic Of The Christ.
At our 5oth ann. I publicly honored her and I’m so glad for that memory You will do well, as she laid the foundtion for you.
I love you, Aunt Shirley
Beautiful sentiment. ❤️