CAROL FRANCES SHIMMEL

ASHEVILLE, N.C. - Carol Frances Johns Shimmel, 86, of Asheville, N.C. passed away on March 23, 2023.

Carol is survived by her husband, Glenn Shimmel; her children, Laura Marlow (Bill), Steve Shimmel and Cindy Shimmel; and her beloved grandchildren, Joe Durrence, Katie Reams (Richard), Kayla Shimmel, Caroline Shimmel, Hannah Shimmel; her great-grandson Bennett Reams; and her sister Florence Long (Lunsford).

She is predeceased by her mother, Loye Regina Hess Johns; her brother, Charles Stephen Johns; her aunt Frances Hess Rapsey; and her dear friend Norma Sleigh Williams.

Carol was a native of Pennsylvania, and no matter where she lived, she considered central Pennsylvania to be home.

She graduated from Philipsburg High School in 1954 where she met her husband of 64 years, Glenn. Their first date was the 1952 Tinsel Trot and they danced happily together for the next 71 years.

Carol's first move was to Palo Alto, Calif. to join Glenn while he served in the U.S. Navy. From that first trip to California to her final trip to Peru, she loved traveling the United States and the world with family and friends.

Her family was central to her life and she created holiday and birthday celebrations focused on togetherness and love. She knitted Christmas stockings for each family member. Her stocking stuffer gifts were family favorites. Her family meals have become legend, with her spaghetti recipe most often requested.

In addition to being a devoted wife and mother, she was a nurse. She graduated from the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing as a registered nurse in 1957. She practiced as a nurse until her retirement in 1995. Carol continued contributing to nursing by volunteering at the local hospital.

When not working, traveling or spending time with family and friends, Carol enjoyed gardening, reading, birdwatching, going to the beach, watching Gamecocks football, crossword puzzles and caring for her cocker spaniel,: Penny, Baxter and Jenny. She led a full active life and her legacy of love will be remembered.

A Celebration of Life will be held in April.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the University of Pennsylvania, Friends of Penn Nursing Endowed Scholarship Fund at University of Pennsylvania, Office of the Treasurer, P.O. Box 71332, Philadelphia, PA 19176-9913.

To place a condolence online, please visit www.grocefuneralhome.com.

Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian, 72 Long Shoals Rd., Arden, N.C. is assisting the family.