Carol Elizabeth Brazier

Carol Elizabeth (Rayner) Brazier was born on November 3, 1935, in Chicago Heights, Illinois to the late Loris and Hortense Rayner. She was the middle child in a family with three children. She graduated from Parker High School in Chicago, Illinois. She then attended Chicago Teacher’s College and earned her bachelor’s degree in teacher education. She later worked to earn a master’s degree in special education from Depaul University in Chicago. She was an advocate for education and dedicated her life to over thirty-five years of teaching in the Chicago Public Schools.

Carol was a devoted daughter, sister, friend and loving mother to her four children, Simone, Cizette, Eric, and Eugene. Her life was a beautiful reflection to her deep faith and commitment to Christ. She found great joy and purpose in teaching and giving to others. She enjoyed floral design, wedding coordination, and acting. She taught adult education in Chicago and volunteered later in teaching the same in Bellevue Public Schools. She performed a monologue of Rosa Parks in several schools in Bellevue and at Peru State College after sharpening her skills in Chicago at ETA Creative Arts Foundation and in other Chicago community theatres.

Carol was a world traveler exploring Argentina, Greece, Alaska, Africa, South America, Asia, China, Spain, and Italy, with a goal of exploring every continent. Her grandchildren were the light of her life. She adored and cherished them and spent time getting to know each one of them. She also was a proud member of Thanksgiving Lutheran Church, which she joined shortly after moving to Nebraska over fifteen years ago. She joined several ministries while attending Thanksgiving Lutheran. She enjoyed Bible study, crafters, wedding planning, and assisting with office duties like answering the phone.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Loris and Hortense Rayner; sister Deloris Casseus; daughter Simone Turner; and son Eugene Brazier. She passed on April 13, 2026.

She is survived by the family she cherished, including her brother Ivan, son Eric, daughter Cizette, grandchildren, Robert Turner, Angelique, Robert Lewis, Alyssa, Nya, Sydney and Kayleigh. Great-grandchildren Reese Simone, Jayden, Alannah, and Robert Ingram V.

A Memorial Visitation will be held at Thanksgiving Church, 3702 370th Plaza Ave, Bellevue, Nebraska 68123, on April 18, 2026, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am, followed by a Memorial Service at Thanksgiving Church, 3702 370th Plaza Ave, Bellevue, Nebraska 68123, on April 18, 2026, at 11:00 am.