Carolyn "Perky" Cameron

Carolyn Rachel "Perky" Cameron (née Simmill) passed away peacefully in her sleep at home in Tinton Falls, NJ on Tuesday, October 14, 2025. She was 94 years old.
Perky was born in her mother's hometown of Carlisle, PA on November 18, 1930, to the late Judge Elvin Raymond Simmill and Sylvia Harriet Simmill (née Bowermaster). She raised her family in West Long Branch (WLB), NJ and spent the latter years of her retirement in Tinton Falls, NJ.
Perky was an alumna of Manasquan High School and holds a Bachelor's Degree in Education from New Jersey State Teachers College at Glassboro (presently Rowan University). She and her beloved husband, Thomas William Cameron Sr., were married at the Trinity Episcopal Church in Asbury Park, NJ on June 21, 1952, eight days after she graduated college. Perky and Tom shared a deep, joyful love and a blessed marriage that lasted over 73 years. Together, they built a home and a family, traveled the country and the world, and always supported each other with love.
The aptly named Perky was a sheer joy. Her father gave her this nickname and it stuck for life-she even put "Perky C" on her license plate-and many of her acquaintances have said, "I didn't realize her real name was Carolyn!" She was beloved by many and loved making and maintaining wonderful friendships through her genuine kindness and compassion. Her moral compass directed her spirit of service, guiding her in humility and gratitude-this may be the secret to her longevity.
She was an elementary school teacher of 26 years at the Wall Street School and the West Long Branch Primary School (Now named the Betty Mc Elmon Elementary school, named for her friend and mentor). In addition to her curricular lessons, she played piano in the classroom. Perky joked that she was only good enough to play for her kindergarteners and second graders.
She was the proud matriarch of her family: a devoted mother of four, grandmother of eight, and great grandmother of eleven. She also held close relationships with many nieces and nephews, and their children. Nothing was more important to Perky than her family. She was a wonderful grandmother and every single one of her grandchildren was her favorites, and they knew it. She and Tom attended every performance, sporting event, graduation, bowling tournament, and even the prom! The best part is they really wanted to be there. They were present not out of obligation, but out of joy -- being with their family was a privilege they cherished. Perky and Tom even had the honor of spending a variety of holidays with their great grandchildren.
Perky was busy socially being involved in the 21-Point Bowling League, Member of the Order of the Eastern Star, a Harborlighter, and active member to many social clubs, such as: the WLB Lions Club, WLB Historical Society, Knitting Pearls, her Dominoes girls club, and book club. Perky was an avid bowler, as well as a card and game player who enjoyed playing Bridge and Canasta at Seabrook Village.
Her passion for helping others lead her to many volunteer opportunities. She was a Volunteer Docent with the Monmouth County Historical Society-Covenhoven House. She also volunteered at F.I.S.H., where she drove people who needed help getting to medical appointments.
She was an active member of the Christ Episcopal Church in Shrewsbury, NJ and attended bible study. In her earlier years, she taught Sunday school. With a hopeful heart, life force that seemed unbreakable, and a spirit that will surely live forever, there is no doubt she completed her assignment sent from God. When asked how she wanted to be remembered, she said to remember her as a woman of faith.
In addition to her parents, Carolyn is predeceased by her sisters Elaine Claire Polhemus and her husband Leigh, and Joan Gertrude Thiers; her son-in-law James M. Nolan, and her great grandson Patrick Ryan McNamara.
She is survived by her beloved husband Thomas, children: Gayle Cameron Nolan, Thomas William Cameron Jr., Lorraine Cameron Strohmenger and her husband Robert, and Daniel Elvin Cameron and his husband Nicholas St. George; her grandchildren: Alison Curtis and her husband Michael, Robert Strohmenger Jr. and his wife Stephanie, Leslie Heymann and her husband Kyle, Heather McNamara and her husband Ryan, Joseph Cameron (her prom date), and Alexander, Jake, and Maxon Cameron; her great grandchildren: Eleanor, Abigail, Colin, and Casey McNamara, Mark and Lily Strohmenger, and Henry, Julian, Sonny, and Charles Heymann; and her cousin Clara Lou Blaylock Crum.
Visitors will be received on Sunday, October 19, 2025, from 1:00pm to 5:00pm at the Damiano Funeral Home, 191 Franklin Avenue, Long Branch, NJ 07740. A funeral will take place on Monday, October 20, 2025 at the Christ Episcopal Church, 380 Sycamore Ave., Shrewsbury, NJ at 10:30am. Family will hold a private interment afterwards.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to her church: Christ Episcopal Church in Shrewsbury: https://christchurchshrewsbury.org/. The church will designate the donation to the Cameron Music Fund in her honor. The family invites you to leave a letter of condolence by selecting the Tribute/Guestbook link above.
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