Carol Joy Gregory
(September 11, 1933 – Nov 1, 2023)
Beloved longtime resident of Washington, Indiana, Carol Gregory, 90 years of age, went home to be with the Lord on November 1st, 2023.
Carol Joy Gregory (née Price) was born in Petersburg, Indiana on September 11, 1933 to Truman and Esta Maria Price. She was raised by her dear mother, a strong woman of faith who brought up her two daughters in a house full of love. She and her beloved older sister, Norma Jean, were the closest of friends for their entire lives. Carol never lost her “little sister” instincts, and remained delighted by telling stories of mischievous childhood pranks played on her sister and friends. She had a wonderful sense of humor and was quick-witted to the end, which made her jokes and teasing all the better and enjoyed by all.
Carol treasured her family and spoke often of her mother, grandparents, and aunts, even long after they had passed. However, she also proudly created her own branch of the family tree when she married the love of her life, Robert G. Gregory “Jerry”, in 1951. After Jerry was drafted and became a Marine, the two newlyweds had many exciting adventures, including living in Honolulu, Hawaii for about a year in 1953. In 1954, after he received his honorable discharge, they arrived in Washington, Indiana and moved into a cute little house that would remain her home for nearly 70 years. Later that year, they welcomed their only and very treasured child, Robert E. Gregory “Bob”.
Once in Washington, the ever-social, friendly, and talented Carol became a part of the very fabric of her beloved community. Her primary career was working as a bookkeeper and secretary at the Daviess County Surgical Association, as well as at the Coca Cola Co. Along with that, she was involved in countless clubs, community groups, volunteer organizations, and was dedicated to her church, the Washington Free Methodist Church. At all stages of life, she remained active and engaged in some worthy pursuit. There are quite literally too many to name, but a few of her endeavors included: being a Room Mother and PTA President, a Hostess Chairman for the Christian Women’s Club, a sponsor for Walk to Emmaus, President of Women’s Ministry International, President of Church Women United, Beta Sigma Phi Sorority President and Sister, a certified Hospice Volunteer, and member of the Monday Afternoon Club, RSVP (Retired Senior Volunteer Services), and the Red Hat Society. Carol created a full, vibrant life for herself while always finding a way to give back to others. Even well into her late 80s, she kept a busy schedule full of the things and people she cared about – her faith, her community, her friends, and her family.
Perhaps her most valued activity over the last 25 years has been her volunteer counseling at Daviess County Security Center. Week after week, she would go in for 4 hours at a time, 2-3 days a week, to talk and pray with the inmates there. Her deepest desire was to show them God’s love and to see them turn their lives around. She truly cared for each person she came in contact with there, never judging their past, but always believing in their future and worth. Many people she counseled have gone on to recover fully and have remained close friends with “Miss Carol”. She also loved the staff at the jail and Sheriff’s office and considered them dear friends. The selfless love and dedication she showed there changed lives and inspired many.
Carol was known and loved by so many, and that was because she truly loved the people around her. Anyone who knew Carol knew what it meant to be loved by her. Because of that, she has had countless friends, all of whom she valued greatly and saw as family. It was the precious memories she shared with her many friends that inspired her to write her book, A Treasure of Friendships. Carol spent years writing this book and collecting memories, eventually self-publishing in 1997 and enjoying quite the stint of book signings and events as a local author. Her husband, family, and friends were all so proud.
Carol will always be remembered for unshakeable faith, her genuine love for others, her mischievous sense of humor, her impeccable sense of style, her faithful friendship, and her generous spirit. Along with her presence and laughter, her famous chicken and noodles and yearly platters of homemade candy will also be sorely missed. Her family hopes that all who knew her and were touched by her will remember her saying, “I love you, but God loves you more.” She will be dearly missed, but her impact and memory will live on for many generations.
Carol was preceded in death by her parents, husband Jerry Gregory, sister Norma Jean Woods and brother-in-law James Woods, niece Lana Walton, and granddaughter, Katie Gregory Sanders. She is survived by her son Bob (Sherry) Gregory, her grandchildren Seth (Marsha) Gregory and Bevin (Paxton) Gregory, grandson-in-law Jeff Sanders, great grandchildren Lexus, Adam, and Kali Sanders and Brynlee Gregory, as well as beloved great-great grandchildren, nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, cousins, and many other extended family members and cherished friends.
The visitation will be held at Washington Free Methodist Church, 1155 Troy Rd. Washington, IN 47501 Tuesday, November 7, 2023 beginning from 4:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. The Home Going Celebration will also be held at the church on Wednesday, November 8, 2023 at 10:30 A.M., with a visitation for family members prior, beginning at 9:30 A.M.
The family welcomes online condolences to be left at www.gillsince1872.com. Fredrick and Son-Gill Funeral is honored to be entrusted with Carol’s arrangements.
