Obituary published on Legacy.com by The House of Day Funeral Service, Inc. on Apr. 21, 2025.
Carol Ann Harvey transitioned from this life on April 19, 2025, at home on hospice, with her children by her side and wrapped in the same love she had poured into others throughout her life.
Born on January 16, 1945, in
Toledo, Ohio, to her proud parents Emmett and Mildred Futrell, Carol lived a life marked by deep faith, fierce love for her family, and a commitment to service. She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother Emmett "Butch" Futrell Jr. and his wife Margaret; her sister Beverly Flunder; and her beloved grandchildren Nicholas Sabbagh, Krystal Dyer, Kenneth Dyer, and Faith Harvey.
Carol held a strong and personal relationship with God. She was active in the church for much of her life, serving faithfully as a choir director and lending her extraordinary tenor voice to many congregations and church functions. Her passion for gospel music was deeply woven into the fabric of her life, and she joyfully shared that gift with her children-especially through treasured trios with her daughters, Annette and Artis.
Carol was the heart of her family-the best mother in the world-raising three children as a single parent with unwavering strength, wisdom, and love. She built a career rooted in compassion, working as an LPN in the ICU at St. Vincent Hospital, later transitioning to dialysis nursing while pursuing her RN degree at Owens Community College. In the latter part of her nursing journey as an RN, she served as a hospice nurse at Ebeid Hospice, where her extraordinary care earned heartfelt gratitude from families and mentions in The Blade newspaper.
She was the matriarch of her family, hosting holidays and gatherings that made her home the cherished centerpiece of family life. Her sense of humor kept everyone laughing, her green thumb brought beauty to her garden, and her crocheted afghans warmed the homes and hearts of many. She was also a quiet but steadfast supporter of local and national charities, including St. Jude's and Save the Children.
Carol Harvey was not just a mother, grandmother, and nurse: she was a force of nature. Those who knew her best would tell you to never underestimate the woman with fire in her eyes and determination in her step. Even in her later years, you could find Carol commanding the dance floor, turning heads and proving that spirit has no age limit. She lived by her own rulebook – direct, honest, and practical – yet with a sharp wit that could either make you laugh or set you straight, depending on what you needed most.
Carol never minced words and would often remind those around her that "common sense ain't so common around here." When faced with obstacles, she would stand tall, look you dead in the eyes, and declare "they better RECOGNIZE!" Having lived eight decades, Carol's greatest gift to her family was perspective – whenever we faced challenges, she would gently remind us not just of where we are, but how far we've come.
Carol is survived by her devoted children: Annette McGrath, Artis Dyer, and Cecil (Sherrie) Harvey; her beloved grandchildren: Kathryn (Angel) Tucker, Jessica (Travis) Peterson, Erica Moore, Jeshua Harvey, Kandace Dyer, Kevin (Liz) Dyer, and Kerri Linn (Patrick) Holland; and her cherished great-grandchildren: Karmen Wilson, Karmelo Wilson, Amir Tucker, Phoenix Tucker, Lyla Sabbagh, Cameron Peterson, Caiden Peterson, Quest Peterson, Charlotte Peterson, Pierre Holland, Matisse Holland, Valentin Dyer and Cameran Latisser.
She is also lovingly remembered by a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends whose lives she touched deeply.
Carol's love also extended to her two beloved Shih Tzus, Romeo and Snoopy, who were the light of her life right alongside her children. Their joyful companionship brought her immeasurable comfort, laughter, and love.
Carol's legacy is one of faith, laughter, music, service, and unwavering love. Her spirit lives on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her-and in every song, garden bloom, and shared family story, her love will echo always.