CAROL JEAN CARDER WILCOX
July 24, 1944 - September 30, 2025
Age 81

With the joy of knowing that she is now with her Savior, we share the news of the passing of Carol Jean Wilcox, a funny, loving, and thoughtful woman who departed this life for her Heavenly Home on September 30, 2025. Born on July 24, 1944, to Carl and Alice Carder in Urbana, IL, Carol was the embodiment of faith and joy.

Carol was the youngest daughter in a home where faith was the cornerstone, her father a pastor, setting the stage for a life full of devotion and praise. As an Executive Secretary, Carol brought her vibrant personality to Owens-Illinois Glass Company, where she worked for many years. She eventually embarked on a new career in Cosmetology, offering a smile and a laugh to everyone she encountered. Upon retirement, she continued to fill her time with things she adored, like playing the piano and organ, attending Camp Meeting revival services, playing golf, and cooking delicious lasagna dinners or taco salads, much to the delight of her family.

The New Bern Church of God was graced with Carol's presence, her voice elevating the choir and her fingers dancing on the piano and organ keyboard in years past. Her devotion to the Lord was evident in her unwavering prayers for her family, friends, and church family. She was indeed a prayer warrior, her faith unshakable and her heart full of love. Carol also brought the church to life with her unmistakable laugh, a testament to her joyous nature. She worked hard to remember everyone's names, valuing every connection she made.

This love extended to her children, Rick Wilcox (Carol) and Denise Case (Doug); grandchildren, April Welch, Tyler Wilcox, Monique Moore, Tiffany Sarver, Xavier Angel, Christy Hardy, and Joshua Case; great-grandchildren, Cru, Amiyah, Cruise, Rowyn, Damian, Ronan, Triston, Braelen, Hampton, and Garner; and her nephew, Scott Siler.

Carol was preceded in death by her parents, Carl and Alice Carder; her husband, James Richard Wilcox, Sr.; her daughter, Donna Angel; her sisters, Anita Reynolds and Janice Siler; and her niece, Melissa Siler.

As we honor her memory, we are reminded of the verse from Psalms 116:15, "Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His faithful servants." This was the life Carol lived, devoted and faithful, her heart always inclined towards the Lord.

Fittingly, her son-in-law, Pastor Doug Case, and her son, Pastor Rick Wilcox, officiated at the funeral service. She was laid to rest with her late husband at Arlington National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Carol’s name to the New Bern Church of God or to the American Cancer Society.

We invite you to leave memories and upload photos to Carol's memorial page, as we remember and celebrate the life of this extraordinary woman. Her laughter, love, and faith have left an indelible mark on us all.

You can view Carol's life in photos at Bennett Funeral & Cremation Care or Plant a tree in Carol's memory.