1949-2018
Carole passed gently into the arms of her Heavenly Father on Sunday, September 23, 2018 at Covenant Care Hospice of Sacred Heart Hospital. Although she suffered from vascular dementia for several years, leukemia claimed her life at the age of 69. Many of her children and grandchildren were at her side during her last weeks, reminding her of their love and appreciation for her. Carole’s dedication to her family never wavered.
A native of Pensacola, Carole was born to Vernon and Emma Willis on January 10, 1949. She was their first child and grew to be the image of her proud daddy in her features, work ethic and personality. From the time Carole was very young, she showed musical talent and performed at church, community events and later with a band. She graduated from Woodham High School as its Junior Miss representative and earned a bachelor’s degree with a dual major in voice and piano. This musical training led her to a brief teaching career in the Santa Rosa School District. However, opportunities soon arose that took her into business management and finally training and consulting for car dealerships.
Carole’s primary interests took a dramatic turn when she married the love of her life, Don Raymer and fell in love with his five children as well. Becoming a mother was her lifelong desire and these children completed her life. Don was also dad to four adult sons and Carole cherished them as well. Gary, Donnie, Randy, and Brian welcomed Carole into the extended Raymer family. Carole and Don worked tirelessly to build a home and raise their children. They remained devoted to one another through times of challenge as well as times of joy. As the children grew up, Carole and Don enjoyed traveling and visited Switzerland, Italy, and destinations in the U.S. In healthier times, she loved to read, camp, cook, and create decorative calligraphy. Her love for all genres of music was influenced by her daddy in childhood and grew through the years. As her health declined, she preferred to enjoy action adventure movies with her fur baby, Buddy. Carole had a gift for making her loved ones feel special and passes on a legacy of compassion, tenacity, and faith in God’s plan for our lives. Her beautiful smile is unforgettable.
Carole is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Don Raymer and her father, Vernon Willis. She is survived by her mother, Emma Willis and “little” sister, Verna Smith. Carole is also survived by her children: Sandy Raymer, Tye Raymer (Penny), Todd Raymer, Karri Hill, and Kelli Perkins (Ted). Carole leaves many grandchildren: Skyanne Carole Raymer, Tanner Palmer, Logan Palmer, Courtney Crettle (Nate), Matthew Barber, Zachery Raymer, Ryan Raymer, Rain Raymer, Niko Raymer, Nevaeh Raymer, Austin Hill (Taylor), Alex Hill, Lacie Coxwell, Whitney Aragon and Dustin Aragon.
The family would like to thank Covenant Care Hospice of Sacred Heart Hospital for their support and respect for the needs of this precious woman as she prepared to leave her earthly body for her eternal home. In lieu of flowers, please send any donations to Covenant Care Hospice, a nonprofit organization, to help others in their final days.
Friends are cordially invited to join the family for a visitation on Thursday, September 27, 2018 from 10:00-11:00 a.m. at Eastern Gate Memorial Funeral Home, immediately followed by a service. Interment will take place after the service at Eastern Gate Memorial Gardens.
