Naomi Carol Berens

Redding - Naomi Carol (Layral) Berens passed away peacefully on July 31, 2025, a week after celebrating her 92nd birthday with cake and flowers with her son, Andre' and calls from family. At the time of her passing Carol was a Memory Care resident at River Valley Care Center in Live Oak, CA. While there she greatly appreciated and enjoyed visits and calls from friends and family.



Carol was born July 22, 1933 in Winslow, Arizona, the sixth of seven children of Lester and Gladys (Brazil) Hildeman. Carol lived the early years of her life in Long Beach, and later in Inglewood and Hawthorne, CA. Carol grew up in the company of many cousins and was often regarded as a "big sister" by her cousins. As a teenager, Carol demonstrated great aptitude and talent as a classical pianist and artist. Her greatest disappointment was not having the opportunities to pursue her dream of becoming an artist in her teen years. Persevering, she developed her talents despite not taking any formal art classes until well into her sixties.



Carol met and married her first husband, Frenchman Gilbert Layral at age 16. Together they had three children, daughter Nancy, and twin boys, Andre' and Wayne. Following divorce in 1962, Carol received her certificate from Marinello Beauty School, worked and started dating again. She spent many hours skating at local roller rinks and would often talk about how joyful that period of her life was.



In later years, Carol married Arthur Paul Berens and together they had two children, daughter Theresa and son Scott. Art was a professional bowler and they often traveled together to tournaments in California and Las Vegas.



In 1986 Carol moved to Redding to be closer to brothers, Willis and Junior and her aunt Cecil and uncle Gale. She worked many years as a beautician for JC Penny's. Her attention to detail, eye for color and her joyful personality made this job a good fit for her. She took pride in caring for herself and offering tips to others to help them look and feel their best.



Carol enjoyed camping, journaling, sketching, and spending free time on road trips and outdoors in beautiful Northern California. She enjoyed traveling, and over the years made numerous trips to Alaska, attending graduations, weddings, and welcoming a number of great grandchildren. Carol talked fondly of cruises, with her older sister Norma, to Alaska and the Panama Canal. A highlight of her travels was a trip to Hawaii with her son and daughter-in-law.



Carol was a self-taught artist, accumulated a considerable number of art books, and was mentored by local artists. Over many years she worked in various mediums, including oil, acrylic, and watercolor painting, but what she enjoyed most was pen and ink. She fine tuned her skills taking art classes at Shasta College, and volunteering with the Redding Art League, where she received recognition for her art. She remained humble about her skills and held a deep admiration for the artists and teachers she worked alongside. Carol loved sharing her talents with her great grandkids. Carol's cousin, Sharron Jackman, made a beautiful quilt to hang in her apartment featuring many of her favorite art pieces.



Carol lived a full life and found artistic inspiration in fine details wherever she went, whether it be light or shadow, color or texture, and she encouraged others to admire, play and create for themselves. Her lighthearted spirit and joy for life will be missed until we meet again in Heaven.



Carol loved all her kids equally and enjoyed spending time with their families. We cherish the memories we shared. Carol is survived by her children Nancy Tate, Andre' (Sheri) Layral, Wayne (Pam) Layral, Theresa (Berens) Roberts and Scott Berens; Grandchildren Shannon & Joshua; Marius; Matthew & Nicole; Jessica, Harley & Christopher; Vallerie, Lilli & Alyssa; as well as numerous great grandchildren and great great grandchildren. Carol is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and cousins.



In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Artistic Endeavors, 491 Lake Boulevard, Redding, CA 96003 in memory of Carol Berens.