April 29, 1927 – June 11, 2021
Carol Hayes Tarpenning joined her Heavenly family on June 11, 2021.
She was born Norma Carol Hayes, the daughter of Thelma M. Tibbs and Donald E. Hayes, on April 29, 1927 at Ogden, Illinois. She graduated with honors from Champaign Central High School and the University of Illinois (Class of 1949). After working for her father at the Don Hayes Appliance Store in Champaign, Illinois she became a social caseworker for the Illinois Public Aid Commission, followed by fifteen years as a Special Education teacher for Urbana District 116. She lived and raised her family in Champaign, Illinois and spent her retirement years in Amelia Island, Florida (Fernandina Beach), followed by Wilson, North Carolina.
Carol was preceded in death by her parents, her maternal and paternal grandparents, maternal and paternal great grandparents, her son Philip Hayes Corbly, her brother Donald Gary Hayes, nephew Donald Gary Hayes II, husbands Lynn Clark Corbly, Robert William Rossman, and Retired Army Major Robert Tarpenning, stepson Ronald Tarpenning, daughter-in-law Patricia Rossman, and beloved pups Ruby, Dolly, Pierre and Reggie.
She is survived by her daughter, Ann L. Corbly (Raleigh, NC), stepson Ralph Gary Rossman (Mahomet, IL) step-grandchildren Lori Hays (Rantoul, IL) and Rob Rossman (Mahomet, IL), stepdaughter Karen France (Herndon, VA), sister-in-law Bea Hayes (Jacksonville, FL), niece Cheryl Thurman, nephew John Douglas Hayes, and numerous cherished friends.
Carol was an avid bridge player, and thoroughly enjoyed the company of her many bridge-playing friends in Illinois, Florida and North Carolina. She also enjoyed antiques, auctions, interior decorating, boating, reading, dancing, and needlepoint. She spent many cherished summers entertaining friends at her Bayles Lake cottage, Loda, Illinois.
Carol was a member of Memorial United Methodist Church, Fernandina Beach, FL, and First United Methodist Church (FUMC), Wilson, NC. Carol also enjoyed membership in Alpha Phi Sorority (University of Illinois Beta Alpha Chapter), University of Illinois Alumni Association (lifetime member), Champaign, Illinois and Wilson, North Carolina Moose Lodge, Champaign Elks Club, Champaign Antique Study Group (charter member), Champaign Junior Women’s Club, and the Bayles Lake Lot Owners Association (Loda, IL). She spent many enjoyable hours in Amelia Island (Fernandina Beach) FL with her friends in the Newcomers Club, Red Hats, Terpsicorian Dance Club, Ann Dickens Circle (United Methodist Women), and the Friday Night Canasta Group. Her retirement years in Wilson, NC were enriched by time spent with her friends in the Wilson Woman’s Club, the Bradshaw Sunday School class, and the Laura Davenport Circle (United Methodist Women).
A private burial will be held In Homer, Illinois at the Homer GAR Cemetery. At her request, no public memorial service will be held. Instead she requested anyone wishing to honor her memory do so by contributing to any of the following: the First United Methodist Church, 100 Green Street NE, Post Office Box 1423, Wilson, North Carolina 27894-1423; Memorial Methodist Church, 601 Centre Street, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034; the Wilson Woman’s Club, 402 Broad Street, Wilson, NC 27893; Alpha Phi Foundation, 1930 Sherman Avenue, Evanston, IL 60201, and Shriners Hospitals for Children, 2900 Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, Florida 33607-1460.
Carol often expressed to her family her appreciation for all the wonderful friends she met through her life’s journey of 94 years. She considered each of them one of God’s greatest blessings. She leaves words of encouragement for them through Philippians 4:8 “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report, if there be any virtue and if there be any praise, think on these things.” She prayed each of you would find joy and peace in life.
Carol had a keen intellect and zest for life. She will be greatly missed by those who loved her.
Arrangements are under the direction of Thomas-Yelverton Funeral Home, Wilson, NC. Online condolences may be sent by visiting thomasyelverton.com.
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIO
v.1.8.18