Ms. Carmen I. Smallwood

October 29, 1942 - April 28, 2020

Carmen Irene Smallwood went Home to Jesus on April 28, 2020 at age 77. Carmen was born to Joe B. and Lyndal White on October 29, 1942 in Wayne County, Illinois. She graduated from Mills Prairie High School with the class of 1959. Carmen earned a BA of Elementary Education at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale. Carmen met John Windle in high school, and they wed shortly after her graduation from SIU. To their union was born four children: Clarence, Staci, Lucy and Jonathan. Mrs. Windle/Smallwood served Joliet Public Schools and Mokena Public Schools as a much-loved teacher and administrator. After retiring from teaching in 1992, Carmen continued to be an active member of the Mokena Woman’s Club, the Mokena Historical Society, and Ashburn Baptist Church. She held an unwavering faith in God, which she shared with those around her. Carmen joins her parents, Joe B. and Lyndal, and three brothers, Carson, Ira, and Dannie, in Heaven. She is survived by her children, Clarence (Kristi) Windle, Staci Mezydlo, Lucy (Mike) Ceko, and Jonathan Windle; four grandchildren, Carter Aldridge, Nicole Mezydlo, Steven Windle and Thomas Nowak; two brothers, Roy (Laurel) White and Ben (Valeda) White; and three sisters, Norma (David) Potts, Sarah (Jim) Pollard, and Marilyn (Paul) Gabel; Funeral Services for Carmen on May 2 will be private. In lieu of flowers, it is preferred to make remembrance donations to Samaritan’s Purse or The American Cancer Society. Psalm 73:26 “My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”