Carol Lea Bown, 85, of Vinton, Virginia, passed peacefully in her sleep at home on the bright early morning of November 25, 2024. Our hearts are empty with her loss, but full with her memory.

Carol Lea Hanger was born on March 31, 1939, in Detroit, Michigan, to Carroll Lee Hanger and Virginia Zay Hanger (née Wolcott.) At age six, Carol, her parents, and younger brother, Jack Douglas, ("J.D.") moved to Dixon, Illinois. She graduated Dixon High School in 1957, and immediately took a job at Commonwealth Edison in accounts receivable where she earned $2.05 an hour, better than schoolteachers made at that time.

In November 1958, Carol married Steve Nagy and raised three children — Laurel, Steven, and Andrea — at their home on Ottawa Avenue on Dixon's south side. Carol described those years as the happiest of her life, busy with small children and community events. In addition to being an accomplished cook and skilled seamstress, she was active in the PTA, a den mother in Cub Scouts, and helped organize the yearly neighborhood potluck. Aunt Carol is fondly remembered by many Nagy cousins for her "cute giggle" and the beautiful jumpers she made them for Christmas.

Carol belonged to two bridge clubs with her "little friends." She served Diet Shasta and homemade lemon bars which she did her best to save for guests, and which a child might do their best to illicitly sample. She was an avid reader and an enthusiastic gardener who canned summer vegetables and jams. Once the kids were old enough, Carol returned to work, first at local restaurants, and later in administration at Raynor Garage Doors until her retirement.

Carol had a keen eye for detail and an adventurous spirit. She spent many years at the Rock River in Illinois, both on the water in her kayak and watching river life through her picture window. She could spot and name just about any bird. Canoe trips to the Boundary Waters in Minnesota, courses in Becoming an Outdoors Woman (BOW) in Wisconsin, and later, hikes in the mountains of Southwest Virginia were all part of her love of spending time in nature.

In November 2005, Carol married Stanley "Jim" Bown, and the two moved to Vinton, Virginia, to be near her young grandchildren. After joining the congregation at Thrasher United Methodist Church, Carol became an active participant in various ministries, including disaster relief, mission work, home building, after-school care programs, and Walk of Emmaus retreats.

In addition to being a devoted mother, grandmother, and spouse, Carol was a beloved friend who made time for everyone. She was always open to trying new things and made friends easily. Carol was the pal who would show up for you, take your late-night call, listen to your troubles, and remind you that you could do it. She believed in making the world a better place and wanted her children to be good citizens. She was loved by the devoted caregivers who kept her and her husband safe, comfortable and cared for during the last months of her life. Carol was the sweetest woman they had cared for, they said. Gentle, thoughtful, and kind. She never made it hard for anyone to care for her or about her.

Carol was preceded in death by her father, Carroll, mother, Virginia, and brother, Jack Douglas. She is survived by her husband of 19 years, Stanley James Bown of Vinton, Virginia; her children, Laurel Nagy-Stanek (Dennis) of Pelham, Alabama, Steven Nagy (Rory) of Roanoke, Virginia, and Andrea Young (Mike) of Scottsdale, Arizona; her grandchildren Camille Stanek, Alexandra Laney (Daniel), Andrew Nagy, and Liam Nagy; and her great-granddaughter, Lily Laney.

Per Carol's request, a celebration of life will be held next year. Donations to Roanoke Valley Greenways (https://greenways.org/get-involved/donate-support-page/) in her name are appreciated.

"When you are sorrowful look again in your heart, and you shall see that in truth you are weeping for that which has been your delight."

- Kahlil Gibran

"Say not in grief that she is no more
but say in thankfulness that she was
A death is not the extinguishing of a light,
but the putting out of the lamp
because the dawn has come."

- Rabindranath Tagore

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

- 2 Timothy 4:7 NIV