Carolyn Morrow

Age 82 of Wilmington, Illinois, died Wednesday, November 20, 2024 at the Lightways Hospice Home in Joliet, Illinois.

Born August 10, 1942 in Taylorville, Illinois, Carolyn Sue was a daughter of Glen and Sarah (Gatlin) Burkhart. She was raised in Taylorville and Peoria, Illinois until her family relocated to Joliet. Carolyn attended Joliet Junior College, and on July 2, 1960 she married Douglas Neil Morrow, Sr., with whom she would share 52 years of marriage. She was a dedicated employee of Stepan Chemical Company in Elwood, Illinois as an accounting secretary for 21 years, until she retired in 2000.

Carolyn was a very active woman, finding great pleasure in exercise and fitness, and was a strong advocate for people afflicted with Lupus. Carolyn was also fascinated by discovering her family heritage and participated in a local genealogy club. Always an active mind, she could often be found working on crossword and Sudoku puzzles or reading and sewing. Carolyn had quite the zest for life, broadening her horizons by travelling as much as possible, and enjoyed expressing herself by singing and dancing. As an active community member, she was a member of Abundant Life Fellowship Church in Wilmington and was a volunteer at Kuzma Care Cottage.

Above all else in her life was her role as wife, mother, and grandmother. Carolyn loved being with her family, who were always at the forefront of her mind and held close in her heart. She treasured the blessed 52 years she had with her husband until he passed away in 2012, and giving as much of herself to her children and grandchildren as was possible. Carolyn will be remembered fondly for the love she shared with others and her joyous spirit.

Survivors include four children: Douglas N. Morrow, Jr., Tammy Dunkin, and Lisa Fink, all of Wilmington, and Jeffrey (Laura) Morrow of Elmhurst, Illinois; eight grandchildren: Danielle (Josh) Kolesar, Michelle (Glen) Kuta, Bryan Dunkin, Stephanie Fink, Alan Morrow, Benjamin Morrow, Kyle Palmer, and Katie Palmer; five great grandchildren: Raynen Palmer, Marley Rose Palmer, Madison Marie Palmer, Liam Kuta, and Bennett Kolesar; brother and sisters: Ann McFall of Orlando, Florida, Glenda (the late Richard) Severns of Washington, Illinois, and David (Linda) Lass of Taylorville; brothers and sisters-in-law: Gerald (the late Norma) Morrow and Keith (Julie) Morrow, both of Channahon, Illinois, Warren (the late Carol) Morrow of Plainfield, Illinois, Donna McMillan of Minooka, Illinois, Madlyn Burkhart of Washington, Elizabeth Morrow of Tangier, Indiana, and Betty Oxford of Norris City, Illinois; as well as numerous numerous nieces and nephews, special cousin, Linda Reavis, and dear friends: Kay Cole, Sharon Peters, Marylou Brashler, Pat Acred, and Pamela Baker.

Carolyn was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Doug Morrow; one grandson, Jeremy Fink, and one great granddaughter, Miley Rose; two sisters, Mary Lou Birtas-Calvillo and Becky Trandicosta-Banuelos, and two brothers, Glen Burkhart and Robert Oxford.

Private graveside services were held at Wesley Cemetery in Wilmington, where Carolyn was laid to rest with her husband. A Celebration of Life will be held at Abundant Life Fellowship Church, 23632 Illinois Route 113, in Wilmington on December 7, 2024 at 12:00 p.m.

Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Carolyn's memory to Abundant Life Fellowship Church.

Family and friends are encouraged to sign the online guest book, upload photographs, and share Carolyn's memorial page via social media.

Funeral services and arrangements are being made under the direction and care of Reeves & Baskerville Funeral Homes and Crematory in Wilmington (815) 476-2181.