Condolences to the family of Carolyn Swope

Obituary for Ms. Jo "Carolyn" Swope

Jo “Carolyn” Swope, 75, of Danville, Illinois, passed away at 10:10 a.m. Tuesday, September 20th, 2011 at her home.
Carolyn was born on October 30th, 1935, in Clark County, near Martinsville, Illinois, the daughter of Ralph and Alice (Ratts) Swope. 

She is survived by two nieces- Linda (Chip) Bowles of Louisville, Kentucky and Janet D. Swope of Bloomington, Illinois; nephew- Roger (Paulette) Swope of Poplar Grove, Illinois; three great-nephews-Ryan Swope of Poplar Grove, Illinois, attending University of Dubuque(sophomore), Dubuque, Iowa, Randy Swope of Poplar Grove, Illinois, attending Quincy University (freshmen), Quincy, Illinois and Charles Bowles of Louisville, Kentucky, attending Saint Louis University (sophomore), St. Louis, Missouri; and four cousins- Wayne (Rosemary) Ratts of St. Louis, Missouri, Stanley (Dianna) Ratts of Mattoon, Illinois, Linda Trump of Chalfont, Pennsylvania and Fred Thornburgh of Indianapolis, Indiana. She was preceded in death by her parents, brother- Richard Swope and a cousin- Willard Thornburgh. 

Carolyn graduated from Martinsville High School. She graduated from the University of Illinois, in 1958, with her B.S. Degree in Home Economics. She later earned her Masters of Extension Education from the University of Illinois in 1971. She worked for the University of Illinois Cooperative Extension Service from 1958-1992, in Jasper County, Dewitt County, Douglas County and Vermilion County. In addition to teaching a wide variety of subjects, such as Financial Management, Food Science, Nutrition, Clothing Construction and Care, to help individuals and families; she also served as County Extension Fiscal Officer for many years and assisted the 4-H Program. She received a National Distinguished Service Award in 1971.

Carolyn also was a member of Epsilon Sigma Phi  (where she served as Chief), American Home Economics Association (where she was a Certified Home Economist),  Business and Professionals Women’s Club, and served as a member and President of the Illinois  Association of  Extension Home Economists from 1976-1977. She was a member of the East Park Church of Christ, where she helped with Thursday School, Teddy Bear Program, Ladies Committee, Communion Preparation and assisted with Shults Lewis Children’s Home fund raising. Carolyn enjoyed sewing, quilting, crocheting and traveling. 

A Celebration of the Life of Jo “Carolyn” Swope will be at 11:00 a.m. Friday, September 23rd, 2011 at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center, a Life Celebration Home, with Pastor Dennis Floyd officiating. Visitation will be from 9-11 am Friday at the funeral home. Burial will be at 3:00 p.m. Friday at Ridgelawn Cemetery in Martinsville, Illinois. Memorials may be made to the East Park Church of Christ. Please join Carolyn’s family in sharing memories, photos, and videos of her life through her tribute wall at: www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.