Carol Wesley

O what a woman. Radiant. My mother Carol Ann Wesley. She was angelic during her physical presence in our lives. Always smiling, cooking and making sure everyone was happy and fed, drunk, laughing, partying. One of our recent conversations she said “I don’t want to give up the partying”. Who didn’t love her?! 

She possessed a magnetic quality. A natural beauty with million dollars smile that made her beautiful blue eyes light up. Strangers were magnetized to her and she helped everyone. Everyone. She as charismatic. She would be on the phone or at the kitchen table, bestowing her sage wisdom on life, health, and happiness to all of us and more. And when she wasn’t, she was taking care of those closest to her. She gave our family her all. All the time.

I’m confident as I stand here today that at some point in our lives, she made a significant impact on those of us in her closest orbit. Our families became one at every major holiday, or birthday celebrations. O the delight we had! It’s very rare in this world. 

I can tell you that she lived. She lived in one lifetime what many never even dream of achieving or experiencing. And when she met my dad in 1963 in her Detroit driveway, the heavens aligned. Together, they inspired each other to the fullest and embarked on a remarkable journey. One that is full of warm, wonderful memories that will comfort us for the remainder of our time on this planet. 

I couldn’t ask for a better mother. Being around her was pure joy. Our lives were what people dream of. I am a part of her and she of me. She was so proud of her legacy. She knew she was loved by you all. She loved each and every single one of us with all of her heart, unconditionally. Family and faith and music were what made her joyful and fueled her soul. Her song was splendid. Her favorite song was the Rose. “Just remember in the winter

Far beneath the bitter snows Lies the seed that with the sun's love In the spring becomes the rose”

She was called home. There’s a reason for everything she would tell me. She made me promise that we’d all be ok without her. I told her of course because you didn’t say no to Carol! I told her we will be ok because she made us all stronger by her example of sheer strength. Despite this darkness, we still had happiness. And we will. She’s in our hearts. 

Despite this path that God chose for her, all saints suffer. And that made her smile when I told her that. I know she was solaced knowing she’s in the presence of those who ascended before her. That should make us smile too when tears arise to fall. 

Obviously, you always wish for more time, she taught me it’s fleeting and precious and I am blessed that I had 45 years with this incredible woman. She was my best friend. 

She taught us not to wait or settle and encouraged us to embrace life on our paths and make our dreams come true - like she did. She told us to slow down and enjoy life. She told us to spend time with those who you love and make you laugh. She would say life is too short for stress and strife. Most always, she was right, and She always did what was righteous. 

As we celebrate her departure, remembering the impact she bestowed upon us, she will continue to live on in spirit, and watch over all of us. I know she’s an angel and will be with us all always.

A private graveside service was held Friday November 18, 2022 at White Chapel Cemetery.

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