Carol Joy Schmitt

Carol Joy Schmitt, 78, of East Peoria, formerly of Henry, IL, passed away Sunday July 2, 2023, 9:55 pm at her home surrounded by her loving family. She was born on December 23, 1944 to Clarence Robert "Bob" and Joyce Audrey (Reed) Epley in Braintree, Essex County, England. They preceded her in death.

She married John Taylor "Tate" Schmitt on June 29, 1991. He survives along with her 2 children; Leslie Alan (Fiancee Debra Sclare) Ziegler II, of El Dorado Hills, CA and Amy Carol (Larry) Prince, of East Peoria. Also surviving are two step sons: John Taylor (Dr. Martha Yearsly) Schmitt and Michael Allen (Dr. Tracy Heffron) Schmitt, of Lebanon, OH. Carol is also survived by 3 sisters; Jackie (Steve) Wright and Cynthia (Tom) O'Connor of The Villages, FL. and Elizabeth (Roger) Bunte, of Beecher, IL. 3 brothers, James (Bonnie) Epley, of Spring City, TN, Stephen (Rhonda) Epley, of Ladd, Kevin (Karen) Epley of Chatham.

Her brother Robin Epley and sister, Linda Coleman, preceded her in death.

She is also survived by 8 grandchildren: Amanda (Tyler) Johnson, of Fair Oaks, CA, Jenna (Chris) Owens, of Carroll Stream, Shelby (Tevin Hodgson) Zbinden, of Creve Coeur, Lucas (Heidi) Zbinden, of Morton, Ali Zbinden, of Normal, Ian Zbinden, of East Peoria. Step granddaughters; Kira Schmitt of Lebanon, OH, Taylor Schmitt, of Columbus, OH. She was preceded in death by granddaughter, Karaline. She is survived by 5 great-grandchildren; Riley, Avery, Remy, Bodie, Sebastian, and another great-grandchild due in January, 2024. She was preceded in death by 2 great-grandchildren; Maverick and Mila.

Carol graduated from John Swaney High School and Illinois Central College with a degree of Associate Applied Science and worked in the retail/banking field for over 25 years before retiring to spend more time with her growing family who was most important to her.

She loved to read historical novels, gardening, doing crossword puzzles, cooking, and their trips to Destin, FL on vacation. She was a Cubs fan. Go Cubs! There is always next year!

Carol was a member of the Henry United Methodist Church where she served as church treasurer, secretary and so many church committees.

Visitation will be Monday July 10, 2023 from 9:00 to 11:00 am at the Henry United Methodist Church. Memorial services will follow at 11:00 am. The Rev. Will Meachum will officiate the burial at Henry Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Children's Hospital of Illinois Foundation; 124 SW Adams St. Peoria, IL. 61606 or to the Henry United Methodist Church.