Carol Jean Kent Hermes, 73, of Newburgh, IN went home to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Friday, May 18, 2018. Carol passed away in her home, as she had desired, surrounded by those that loved her. She was born January 14, 1945 in Peoria, IL to the late Ralph “Pete” and Doris (Elliott) Wheeler.
Carol graduated from Indiana University with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 1967, and was appointed Assistant Administrator for Nursing Service at St. Mary’s in 1970. She earned her Master’s Degree in Education from the University of Evansville in 1974. While at St. Mary’s, Carol served as Vice President, Patient Care Services Division, and later as Executive Director, Home Health Care Agency, before transitioning to her second passion, teaching, in 1995.
She served as an Instructor and later Director for the Health Services Program at the University of Southern Indiana. Before her retirement in 2006, she proudly worked as Director, Master of Health Administration Program, which she had initiated and developed.
Carol was a charter member, and Past President of the Indiana Organization of Nurse Executives. She was appointed by Governor Bowen as President of the Indiana State Board of Nurses’ Registration and Nursing Education. Additionally, Carol was awarded her Fellowship by the American College of Healthcare Executives.
She is survived by her husband of 40 years, JR Hermes; son, Nathan Kent (Lori) of Cadiz, KY; grandchildren, Alexis Kent, Jacob Kent, and Emily Kent each of Cadiz, Dominique Vanover (Derek) of Lewisport, KY, Laine Hermes of Owensboro, KY; great-grandchildren, Kevin Vanover, Jimmie Vanover each of Lewisport, KY, and Rylee Duke of Owensboro.
Carol was a faithful member of Providence Church. She assisted in the vacation Bible school program, and was an advocate for the Operation Christmas Child program, which collected shoe boxes of gifts for children all over the world, as a part of Franklin Graham’s Samaritan Purse. Carol also attended Bible Study Fellowship classes which she thoroughly enjoyed. She will be greatly missed by her Church, neighbors, friends, and family.
Funeral Services will be held 2:00 PM, Saturday, May 26, 2018 at Providence Church, located within the Eastside Christian Church building at 2001 East Bayard Park Drive in Evansville, officiated by Pastor Jerry Straight with burial in Alexander Memorial Park. Friends may visit 4-8 PM on Friday at Alexander Newburgh Chapel, 5333 State Road 261, Newburgh, IN.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the University of Southern Indiana Carol Kent Hermes MHA Scholarship Endowment.
