Carolyn E. Hamrick
Obituary's Biography:
Carolyn Elsie Hamrick, age 89, of Champaign, IL, passed away peacefully on January 15, 2025. In the days up to her passing, she was blessed to enjoy her favorite time of year this past Christmas, surrounded by family and friends.
Carolyn was born on July 28, 1935, in Pana, IL. She was predeceased by her husband, Charles E. Hamrick, her mother, Elsie Schloz, her father, William Schloz, and her four big brothers, Gene, Bill, Ronnie, and Herb Schloz – all WWII veterans.
Carolyn devoted her life to caring for others and graduated from Julia F. Burnham School of Nursing in Champaign, Illinois, in 1956. She dedicated over 55 years of her life to nursing; primarily in labor & delivery, welcoming in hundreds of newborns. As an active member of the JFB Alumni Association, her committee oversaw countless four-year nursing scholarships. JFB closed its doors in 1972, yet the committee continued to fund scholarships through 2021.
Mom’s caring was not limited to hospital nursing; she was the “family and neighborhood nurse.” Whenever anyone needed assistance, care, or a compassionate ear to make them feel better, she was there. She had a beautiful smile and was a source of love and comfort for many people during difficult times. Her strength and courage inspired all who were fortunate enough to know her.
She enjoyed time spent in her garden, rooting for the Illini especially the women’s basketball team, laughing and chatting with friends, and most of all, being with her family. As a voracious reader, she loved her library time and was an active, devoted member of St. Peter’s United Church of Christ.
Carolyn leaves her children, Billy Hamrick and his wife, Stephanie, and John Hamrick and his partner, Mary O’Toole. She also leaves three cherished grandchildren: Jessica Hamrick, Aly Hamrick, Ryan Hamrick, and wife Tayler. She was blessed with two great-grandchildren Michael (Mickey) and Reese Hamrick, goddaughter Carole Schloz, and many nieces and nephews.
A celebration of life will be scheduled at a later date in Champaign, Illinois. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Carolyn’s honor would be appreciated to her lifelong church, St. Peter’s United Church of Christ, at 905 S. Russell, Champaign, Illinois 61821. https://stpetersucc.com/serving-sub-2/