Carol Mitchell

TAMMS, Ill. -- Carol Croft Mitchell, 63, died Friday, Dec. 7, 2012, at her home in Tamms.

She was born March 6, 1949, in Cairo, Ill., the daughter of George and Mary Croft. They preceded her in death. She married Warren "Buddy" Mitchell on Jan. 6, 1969. He survives.

She served as mayor of Tamms for three terms until the week before her death. She also was a retired, rural mail carrier and served the Tamms area for 31 years. She and Buddy owned and operated Mitchell's Barbeque & Catering. She was a member of numerous public service committees, too many to name. She was raised in E&R church in Tamms and most recently attended Villa Ridge Union Church. Her greatest adventure was a three-month vacation to Alaska with her family. Her passion in life was her family.

She is survived by her husband, Buddy; a daughter, Tricia Mitchell Heppe (Michael) of Indianapolis; a son, David Warren Mitchell (Pam) of Tamms; six grandchildren, Lucus Mitchell-McNulty, Megan McNulty, Brittney Mitchell, Alexandria Mitchell, David Mitchell Jr. and Nicolas Mitchell; a great-grandson, Tyson Webb; her stepfather, Charles "Chick" Hood of Tamms; a sister, Sherry (Bruce) Vick of McClure, Ill.; a brother, Dennis (Dianna) Croft of Jackson; a brother-in-law, Herman Blackward of Oklahoma City; several nieces and nephews, Renee Brown, Michael Shannon Croft, Tim Vick, Todd Vick, Angie Arnold, Liz Melton, Jeff Blackward and Nathan Blackward; several great-nieces and great-nephews, Reagan, Chris, Caleb, Hayden, Emma, Jeremiah, Mary, Catherine, Jessica, Austin and Alexis; and many other loved ones and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a brother, George Croft; and a sister, Anne Blackward.

To honor Carol's life, memorial contributions can be sent to TIP Hospice, 25 Leigh Drive, Anna, IL.; cards may be sent to the family at P.O. Box 7, Tamms, IL.; or online condolences can be left at www.crainsonline.com.

A fire department dinner and bingo will be dedicated in Carol's memory Jan. 10 at the Tamms Community Center.

Crain Funeral Home in Tamms is in charge of arrangements.