Carol Jean Manley-Johnson

Carol Manley-Johnson Obituary

SPRINGFIELD - Carol Jean Manley-Johnson died the morning of Wednesday, July 29, 2009.

She was born on May 28, 1954, as the second child of William and Helen Ann Manley, in Belvidere.

She is survived by her husband, Leon Johnson of Springfield; her daughters, Sarah Manley and Jill Williams; her son, Jonah Williams; and two grandchildren, Sheniquia and Xavier.

Although her family and friends are shocked by her sudden departure, they find solace in the fact that she lived a full life.

She was in the process of creating more goals since she had achieved all the goals she had set. Carol wanted to publish a book and she published "Church Booty" on Livingston Press. She wanted to own a house, and she did two years ago. She wanted to get married and she and Leon were married last year.

She was a wonderful woman and touched many, many lives. She will be missed, but her memory will last in the hearts of everyone that was fortunate to know her.

Carol's family and friends invite all those that wish to pay their last respects at Ellinger-Kunz and Park Funeral Home, 530 N. Fifth St., Springfield, IL, on Saturday, Aug. 1, 2009, at a 10 a.m. viewing and an 11 a.m. service.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The State Journal-Register on Jul. 31, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Carol Manley-Johnson

12 Entries

Jeff Berg

August 22, 2009

As a child in elementary school, each day I walked past the house where Carol lived. Carol and I were in many of the same classes at Logan School in Belvidere, IL; and I was always impressed with her creativity, her intelligence, and her musical laugh. Watching her YouTube interview--and seeing her again for the first time since the 1960s--reminds me once again what a special person she was!

Sadly, I lost track of Carol when she left Belvidere; but I felt confident that wherever she was, she would be writing something creative. I deeply regret not being able to re-establish contact with her before her passing--I too am a writer by trade, and I would have loved to compared notes with her.

To her family and friends, please know that my prayers are with you! My memories of Carol are a special part of my childhood that I will treasure always.

Penny Christian

August 4, 2009

I worked with Carol for several years at CMS. She was such a wonderful, caring, intelligent, funny lady. I truly enjoyed our many conversations and laughs! I know she loved her new husband, children and grandchildren. I really enjoyed Xavier's visits. Grandma was so proud of him! I couldn't wait to buy a copy of her book. It was hilarious, as I knew it would be. Carol was such a talented writer!

Carol will be sadly missed! I am honored to have known her.

May God grant you peace at this time of mourning.

In His Love, Penny

Brian Hayes

August 3, 2009

I work in the same unit that Carol did at CMS. She would walk through the room I sit in most days and stop to chat, and I will miss that so much. Always a smile on her face, always a story to tell. And the love that she had for her children and grandchildren, and her family and Leon. You could just hear it in her voice every time she spoke about them. The wit and charm with which she told stories was such a blessing. And she was so intelligent. I miss her. But her memory will live on through her family and all of us that were blessed to know her.

August 1, 2009

I've know Carol for 15 years beginning with our classes together at UIS. I last saw her as she was celebrating the publication of her book at a book-signing at UIS. She was an amazing writer and a lovely human being! I feel blessed having known her.

Sandra McKenna

August 1, 2009

I did not know Carol very well. We worked in the same building. We would always nod and smile at each other in the hallways.It was a way of acknowledging the fact that we were here together on earth now Carol is in HEAVEN. Sandi Brackney

Karen Walsh

July 31, 2009

I am deeply saddened by Carol's sudden departure. Her gifts were many and she generously shared them with all. I will miss her wit and her insights into life and all its complexities.

Pat Cropp

July 31, 2009

To Carol's Children:

I have only known Carol for a few years. However, I am so glad that God let our paths cross. Carol was always, always, very kind. I was always impressed, whenever, I talked with her, she was very knowledgeable and I thought gifted on--whatever the subject was. It was always a pleasure to run into her and chat. She will truely be missed.

Sara, Jonah and Xavier,(Carol was a wonderful mother and grandmother)--to me, Carol was a torchbearer--very inspirational. Continue to carry the torch that Carol carried. Carol loved life and she also loved her family so much.

I will continue to pray for your family. God will have to give you the strength to get through this.

God Bless Your Family

Lynn Koskey

July 31, 2009

I worked at IL Dept. of Public Health and knew Carol. She was such a sweet and pleasant woman. I am so happy that her dreams for a house and getting married came true. She was such a lovely person. She will be missed by many.

Brian Blalock

July 31, 2009

Carol was a pleasure to work with over the years. I didn't know her all that well personally, but she always seemed to be very caring of her family and others, and passionate about her writing. I'm glad she had a chance to receive some acclaim for it. I'm sure she will be missed, just as I will miss her.

July 31, 2009

Carol's passing was so sudden, so unexpected. That hurts as of course it must. But it was worse than that because she was a brilliant writer and it's not just her that we've lost, it's also all the characters she had inside her, the church ladies, the myriad voices she brought to life in her poetry and prose. In person and on paper, Carol could have you laughing and crying as she spoke. (Enter "Carol Manley" at www.youtube.com to see videoclips of her being interviewed about her book, "Church Booty.")

She is loved--mere death does not put that in the past tense--and she'll be missed by many.
Lola Lucas

Lori Morris

July 31, 2009

What a blessing to have worked with Carol. To witness her unconditional love for her children and especially to see the encouragement and love she gave to Xavier. It was always such a joy when she and Sarah would bring him to my office for a visit.

I saw the two of them one Saturday sitting on a rock outside of the Family Video on Jefferson eating ice cream. They were talking like best friends, Xavier bouncing his feet as he sat; Carol giving him her undivided attention. I rolled my window down and told them they look like they were enjoying themselves on this beautiful day. Carol smiled and laughed as only Carol did. My heart weeps to think Xavier has lost his best friend.

May you continue to guide him in the quest for knowledge, love and kindness.

God bless all of you.

July 31, 2009

Carol was a gifted writer and a genuinely nice person.

The Springfield community will miss her and so will I.

Kathleen O'Hara

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