Caryl Wilhoite

Caryl Lou Wilhoite passed away on April 17, 2021 after a courageous struggle with Parkinson’s disease. She leaves behind to cherish her memory, her beloved husband, Bert M. Wilhoite, Indianapolis, her loving son, Bret Wilhoite (Erin) of Denver, CO, her devoted daughter, Rebecca Jacklin (Tony) Zionsville, her sister, Patricia Fernandes of Winter Park, CO, and her sisters-in-law, Ann Brilley (Mike) of Minneapolis, and Tilly Wilhoite of Chicago. She was a proud grandmother of AJ and Meg Jacklin, and Trey and Ellie Wilhoite and a caring aunt of nieces Sara Yoder, Jane Gossard, Joan Weinand, and Dana Harrits, and her nephew Niels Peterson.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Alvin and

Lucile Fernandes, her parents-in-law, Will and Martha Wilhoite, all of Indianapolis, and her brother-in-law, Chip Wilhoite of NYC.

Caryl was born in Indianapolis on July 31, 1944 and attended various IPS schools until her family moved to West Lafayette, IN. She graduated from West Lafayette H.S. in 1961 and then from DePauw University in 1965. While at DePauw, she was a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority and met Bert, the love of her life.

After they both earned their Bachelors’ degrees at DePauw, Caryl went to graduate school at the University of Massachusetts to earn an advanced degree in history while Bert underwent training to become an officer in the United States Navy. They were reunited in 1966 and married at Meridian Street United Methodist Church on June 25 of that year. Shortly thereafter, Bert left for a yearlong tour in Vietnam, and Caryl started her career in education as a history teacher at Washington High School in Indianapolis, where she inspired her students to reach their potential. After Bert fulfilled his military commitment, they settled back in Indianapolis, and Bert embarked on a successful career in manufacturing while Caryl continued working as a well-loved teacher. When Bret and Becky were born in the early seventies, Caryl opted to become a full-time mother. She treasured the years that she spent at home with her wonderful children as she devoted herself to them as well as to local volunteer organizations. Among the civic groups that Caryl joined was The Junior League of Indianapolis, of which she served as president.

As the years passed, and Bret and Becky became more independent, Caryl felt drawn back to the classroom by her love for teaching and her passion for history. From 1984 to 1986 she taught U.S. History at Teen Challenge, an IPS program for teen age girls who struggled with interpersonal issues and addictions. In 1987, Caryl became chair of the Social Studies Department at Eastwood Middle School in MSD Washington Township. She continued serving there for more than twenty years, dedicating herself to supporting all of her students and instilling in them a genuine interest in our country’s history.

To Caryl, a full life meant cheerful engagement and community service. Therefore, in her retirement years, she dedicated herself to many local organizations and service groups. She attended St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, and was a member of Meridian Hills Country Club, The Progressive Club, The Women’s Club of Indianapolis, The Indianapolis Bridge Club, The Woodstock CC Women’s Bridge Group, and Mu Alpha Latreian, which provides support for The Mary Rigg Neighborhood Center, and she served on the Board of Goodwill Industries Foundation of Central Indiana.

Intellectual curiosity and a fascination with other cultures inspired Caryl and Bert to become avid travelers. They traversed the United States, visiting innumerable museums, national parks, and places of historic significance. Then, they “took on the world” visiting Russia, Egypt, Israel, China, South Africa, and the sites of World War II battles across Europe. Caryl had a particular interest in the United Kingdom and the family of Queen Elizabeth II, especially Princess Diana. After the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton, Caryl named her treasured standard poodle after the Duchess of Cambridge’s sister, Pippa.

Bert and Caryl’s life together comprised a beautiful love story of adventure, generosity, long-term friendships and strong family ties. Throughout her lifetime, our dear Caryl was caring, compassionate, loving, graceful, and charming. She was gracious to each person she met and made everyone feel welcome, both at their home in Indianapolis and at their condo in Bonita Bay, FL. She possessed a boundless devotion to her family, her community and her country, and she enriched the lives of all she encountered. Caryl Wilhoite’s life was truly a life well-lived.

The Wilhoite family would like to extend a special thanks to the faithful friends who supported Caryl during her illness as well as to her caregivers, Alison and Winnie.

Caryl’s memorial service will be celebrated on Saturday April 24th at 3:30pm in St. Luke’s United Methodist Church. You are invited to visit the website www.leppertmortuary.com to share a personal memory of Caryl or arrange a memorial contribution to Rock Steady Boxing, Mary Rigg Neighborhood Center or Bosma Foundation.