Carol Jean Manley-Johnson

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...

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...

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...

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

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

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.

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...

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.

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.