Carol Hembree

Carol Graves Hembree, age 72, passed away on April 26th. Born in Kermit, TX to the late Donna Laughlin and Charles Graves. Carol was the devoted wife of the late William Gary Hembree, who were both proud and passionate residents of Ferndale, MI. They were married for 54 years before Gary’s death in October 2024.

Carol was a dedicated employee at Detmar Corporation until her retirement in 2014. She was also known to be very talented in the radio show contest circuit, winning many concert tickets and cash prizes. When Carol wasn’t at work (or on the phone with the radio), you could find her attending car shows around Michigan and the United States in the Summer or transforming her Ferndale home into a Christmas wonderland in the winter (she was known as Christmas Carol by her friends and family).  She had a strict rule of no shoes in her home, as well as no cell phones when her grandchildren became teenagers.

While Classic Cars, Oldies Radio, Elvis Presley and the Christmas season are at the top of Carol’s passions in life, what she was most proud of, and brought her the most joy, was her family. Carol was the oldest of ten children, it was clear to all that knew Carol that her love for her siblings was not only strong, but unconditional. She is survived by Cheryl Smith, Charmane Hall, Charlene Elmore, Robert House, Louis Powers and Lonnette Obuchowski. She is preceded in death by Charles Graves Jr., Paul House and Louise McMurdy.

Carol would go on to have a family of her own with her beloved husband, Gary. They are both survived by their two children Marie (Greg) Morefield and William (Kelly) Hembree. Carol’s greatest treasures were her four grandchildren: Austin, Devon, Donna and the late Gene, as well as many cherished nieces and nephews. She will also be remembered as a precious great grandmother to Darius and Giovanni.  

Visitation is Wednesday, April 30th from 2 PM-8 PM, Funeral Service at 7 PM, at Wessels & Wilk Funeral Home in Pleasant Ridge, MI.

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