Carol Imig

Carol Janet Rowley Imig, 86, of Hilton Head, South Carolina, passed away on October 29, 2026, surrounded by her children, nine days after the passing of her beloved husband of 65 years, David. Her final days were spent sharing stories of a life well lived. She was born on January 21, 1940, in Harvey, Illinois, the daughter of Elmer and Ruth Rowley.

Carol is survived by her four children, Douglas (Kathy), Mark (Michele), Scott (Tina), and Jennifer; her 11 grandchildren, Joseph, Newt, Emily, David, Tyler, Cole, Charlie, Isabelle, Allison, Amelia, and Jack; and her siblings, Joanne, Sue, John, and Jean. She was preceded in death by her husband, David, and her parents.

Carol grew up in Lockport, Illinois. Her parents owned a small farm where she loved riding her horse, Star. At 19, Carol and David had their first date, going to see a Doris Day movie, followed by ice cream sundaes. They were married on June 18, 1961, in Lockport, Illinois. Within weeks, she took her first airplane trip, traveling to New York, London, and then on to East Africa, where she and her husband taught school, before moving on to Liberia and Sierra Leone. It took bravery and strength for her to leave her friends and family in Illinois, and Carol had both. Returning from Africa, Carol and David lived in Maryland for many years, where she continued to work as an educator. Eventually, the couple settled in Hilton Head, SC.

As a young mother, Carol doted on her children. She loved long summer days at the swimming pool with her young family, a beach bag full of snacks, and a large bottle of sunscreen.

Carol had many passions. She was a talented seamstress who was famous for turning heavy gold curtains into dresses, shirts and pants for her family while in East Africa. She made a special jumper for her daughter and a prized puffy vest for her son. Carol loved reading and sharing books with friends, walking on the beach with her family, and spending time with her golden retriever, Bentley.

Carol was her husband David's greatest ally and his support system through a long career. She traveled with him extensively and attended many national and internation conferences, where she took charge of the social responsibilities and made everyone feel welcome. Carol loved exploring new places and made memories across dozens of countries on six continents.

Carol was her family’s biggest champion. At a moment’s notice, she would travel great distances to help her children care for newborns and support families facing illness and injury. She was kind, warm, and funny, and intensely proud of every member of her tightknit family.

Carol never met a stranger. She befriended people quickly, and they opened up to her, told her their stories, and sought her counsel. She had a wide network of friends whom she loved, and she treasured the time they spent together.

To her 11 grandchildren, Carol was a second mother. She was the cheerleader on the sidelines, and the voice of reason on the phone. She sent encouraging letters and texts, and

she always found the right card for every celebration. She loved chocolate and always had a piece to share. She cared deeply and loved her grandchildren immensely and they will miss her.

A celebration of Carol’s beautiful life will be held in the spring of 2027. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to the Lowcountry Food Bank.