Carol Ann Rowe, 81, of Jacksonville, Illinois, went home on November 25, 2024.

Carol was born in Schuyler County in 1943 to her loving parents, Keith and Helen Prather. She married Virgil T. Rowe on May 23, 1970, and he preceded her in death.

She is survived by her two sons, Michael P. Rowe and Jerry (Monica) Rowe; nine grandchildren, A.J., Andy, Jennifer, Kim, Jerri, Jeremy, J.T., Zeke, and Derek; twenty-three great grandchildren; two brothers, Ray (Mary Alice) Prather and Roger (Linda) Prather; and five nieces and nephews, Rob, RaeAnne, Hope, Becky, and Chris. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; and two children, Chuck Rowe (surviving wife, Sonya) and Tony Rowe (surviving wife, Tracy).

She grew up in rural Rushville and Virden where she graduated from Virden High School as their valedictorian. Carol later went to Iowa University and then transferred to Eastern University to obtain her Master's Degree in Education. She was hired into the Jacksonville School District #117, where she spent the better part of four decades touching the lives of hundreds of teachers and students.

Carol always put her family and friends first and would help anyone in need without hesitation. She spent countless hours at the ballfield and wrestling matches. Carol enjoyed having coffee with her friends and talking for hours with her friends on the phone, even with the St. Paul Gals. She was heavily involved in church, along with all of the activities. Carol was loving and caring, she will truly be missed.

A memorial service will be held 1:00 PM Saturday, December 14, 2024, at the Buchanan & Cody Funeral Home in Jacksonville. The family will meet friends from 11 AM until the time of service. A private burial will be held at Camp Butler National Cemetery. Memorial donations are suggested to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or Central Christian Church. The Buchanan & Cody Funeral Home in Jacksonville is in charge of the arrangements. Condolences may be left online at buchanancody.com.