Carol Anne Shimel, 75, of Martinsville, Virginia, passed away peacefully on Friday, May 8, 2026, at the Hospice of the Piedmont Residential Hospice House in Charlottesville. She was born on August 6, 1950, in Washington D.C., to the late Theodore and Virginia Wilson.

Carol grew up in Fairfax County Virginia and was a graduate of Herndon High School. Throughout her life, she lived in Manassas, Woodbridge, and Winchester before finally making her home in Martinsville.

Carol began her career with C&P Telephone Company, which would later become known as Verizon. Following her retirement from Verizon, she continued her life of service by working as the activities director at a nursing home in Winchester, where she brought joy and compassion to many residents.

A woman of deep Christian faith, Carol was a devoted member of Wilson Street Pentecostal Holiness Church. She was very active in her church community, serving faithfully in the choir, participating in outreach ministries, and leading as president of the women’s group. Her church family meant the world to her.

Music was one of Carol’s greatest joys. She was always singing, whether at church, at home, or while enjoying karaoke in her younger years. Friends lovingly nicknamed her “Carol Cline” because of how much she sounded like her favorite singer, Patsy Cline.

She will be remembered as the epitome of an oldest sister. Always there for anyone who needed her. She made and kept friends wherever she went, loving others deeply and wholeheartedly. She was consistently available, dependable, and unwavering in her support of family and friends. Above all, she was the absolute best Grammy, finding great joy in her grandchildren and the time she spent with them. She was funny, optimistic, and often the life of the party, bringing warmth and laughter wherever she went. She loved her church and her faith and had a passion for travel and seeing new places.

Carol is survived by her children, Jody Phillips, Karen Robertson, Billie Shimel-Stringer, and Barry Shimel Jr.; her siblings, Robbie Wilson, Barbara Rash, Susan Wilson, Wendell Wilson, and Donna Hall; her sister-in-law, Judy Wilson; her former spouse, Barry Shimel Sr.; her dear friend, Karen Sellers; as well as nine beloved grandchildren, her cherished Yorkshire Terrier, Berkeley, who brought her endless companionship and happiness, and a host of extended family members and friends.

In addition to her parents, Carol was preceded in death by her brothers, Dennis Wilson and Larry Wilson.

A Celebration of Life honoring Carol will be held on Sunday, May 24, 2026, at Wilson Street Pentecostal Holiness Church in Martinsville, beginning at 2:00 p.m., with Pastor Jamie Redd officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial donations be made in Carol’s memory to Wilson Street Pentecostal Holiness Church or to Hospice of the Piedmont.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to all those who loved and cared for Carol throughout her life. Her faith, kindness, joyful spirit, and beautiful voice will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

An online guestbook is available at www.compassionatecremationva.com

Compassionate Cremation Services of Ruckersville, Virgina is honored to serve the family.