Karon Hammel

URBANA - Karon Lynn Hammel, 76, a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, niece and friend, passed away peacefully June 11, 2025, at her home in Birmingham, Ala.

Born Oct. 17, 1948, in Charleston, Karon spent most of her life in East Central Illinois, living in Mahomet, Thomasboro and Urbana, where she built a life and career defined by compassion, service and community. As a successful business owner and hospital project coordinator at Carle Foundation Hospital, she was known for her tireless work ethic and unwavering commitment to helping others.

Karon found joy in life's quiet moments. She was an avid gardener and bird watcher, drawn to the beauty of nature and the peace it offered. She also enjoyed the occasional glass of white wine with friends and family and was an avid Illini fan. Her passion for people was infectious - whether lending a hand at church, supporting her neighbors or simply saying "yes" when someone needed help, she embodied kindness in action. She dedicated years of service to her church, further exemplifying her commitment to her faith and community.

She is survived by two sons, Shannon (Michelle) Pike of Vestavia Hills, Ala., and Tadd (Becky) Pike of Mesa, Ariz.; five siblings, Sharon Armstrong, Charlie Woollen, Terri Sturtevant, Debbie (Rick) Walker and Eric (Kerry) Woollen; three grandchildren, Kieren Pike, Mallory Pike and Cooper Pike; two stepgrandchildren, Grace Carney and Kate Carney; a great-aunt, Sandy Pyle; 12 nieces and nephews; and numerous other relatives and friends whose lives she touched. 

Karon was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Erma Woollen, and her husband, George Hammel.

A memorial service will be held Sept. 20 at St. Elizabeth Church in Thomasboro. Visitation will be at noon, with the service at 1 p.m. A celebration of life and reception will then take place from 3:30 to 7 p.m. at 2408 N. Nottingham Court, Champaign.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Carle Health Center for Philanthropy, carle.org/giving/make-a-gift, designated to the Carle Neuroscience Institute in memory of Karon Hammel.

Karon's life was a testament to the power of compassion, and she will be deeply missed by her family and all who had the privilege of knowing her.