Dorothy O. (Lewis) Carroll

Dorothy O. (Lewis) Carroll of Napavine passed peacefully in the presence of her loving family September 10th, 2012. She joins her beloved husband of 66 years, James W. (Jim) Carroll, who died November 17th, 2010. “Dottie” was born on March 18th, 1924 in Big Rock, Tennessee, the 3rd and last child of Calvin and Elsie (Mitchell) Lewis. Mom was strong, kind, generous, fun loving and happiest when with her large family and many friends. She was a proud descendent of two signers of the Declaration of Independence.

Dottie grew up and graduated from HS in Hopkinsville, Kentucky. The 20 year old met Jim Carroll, a 2nd Lt in the Army, while in nurse's training at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, and working in the fort’s Post Exchange. Married 10/28/44, it was a lifelong loving partnership. On their 60th anniversary, Dad told his oldest great grandson, AJ, that his first phone call to Mom “started a love affair that is still as fresh as it was when it started.”

While Dad was on a troop transport ship home from the European front their first son, James Donald (Don), was born in 1945. A few months later Mom courageously traveled cross country on the train with her infant son to the tiny town of Napavine. Their destination was to care for Dad’s widowed Mother. Dad, who was mustering out of the army, arrived several hours later. Mom was picked up by one of Dad’s brother-in-law’s, whom she had never met! She was quickly embraced by the large Carroll Clan (six brothers and three sisters), once they quit making fun of her Southern drawl!

As Dad made a career with Graham Implement, as an officer on the Adjutant General’s staff of the National Guard and starting Twin Transit, Mom raised her growing family. Bill came along in 1948, Brian in 1957 and Sue in 1965. The Carroll’s were staunch supporters of the Napavine School District having children in classrooms for over 30 years, 1951 to 1983. The family homes (only two – they moved across the street in 1959) of 66 years were just 1 block from school, so the kids often came home for lunch, friends or “strays” in tow. They enjoyed Mom’s cinnamon rolls, apple butter and molasses cookies.

As son-in-law Rick Garlock describes, Mom and Dad were “not about things, they were about people”. They both worked on behalf of the Napavine Fun Time Festival and Napavine Boosters. Mom was a Republican Precinct committee-woman for many decades. She was supportive, accepting and smiley. She was loyal to her husband, family and friends and was always proud of each of their accomplishments.

Mom was spirited and loved playing cards, dancing, Husky and Seahawk football, the Mariners and any opportunity for fun with family or friends. They traveled extensively with their best pals, Jim and Alice Lafond. We will always remember her laugh!

Mom is survived by sons Don (Carole), Everett; Bill (Jeanne), Ferndale; Brian (Debbie), Anacortes and daughter Susan (Rick) Garlock, Kent. Grandchildren: W. Randy (Terri) Carroll; Jamie Carroll; Don Carroll, Jr.; Courtney (Jeff) Cops; James and Allison Carroll; Katie and Sarah Garlock. Great grandchildren: AJ (Alli), Brandon, Jon and Emily Carroll; Laurie Ann Carroll; Alyssa and Gabriel Cops. Sister-in-law, Edith Lewis, Hopkinsville, Kentucky. Numerous nieces and nephews. Best friend for 52 years, Alice Lafond of Ferndale. Daughter and son-in-law “of- the-heart”, Patty Lafond and John Cleary, Centralia.

Special thanks for extraordinary care in the last 8 months of Mom’s life to Olga and the staff of Four Seasons Family Home in Everett and to Renie Hill, Roz White and Corinna Workman for care at the family home in prior years.

The family requests memorials to Secret Harbor, 225 N. Walnut, Burlington, WA 98233 – or online at www.secretharbor.org.

Graveside services will be at 10:30am Saturday, September 15th, 2012, at the Napavine Cemetery. Memorial service and luncheon will immediately follow at 11:30am at the Napavine Assembly of God Church, 211 2nd Street, next door to the Napavine Elementary School.