Carolyn Jo Shumate

Carolyn Jo Shumate, affectionately known as “Carol,” passed away peacefully on December 26, 2025, at the age of 77, after a courageous six-year battle with cancer. Born on October 14, 1948, in Damascus, Virginia, Carol moved to Wilmington, Delaware as a young girl and grew up in the close-knit community of Marshalton.

She attended John Dickinson High School before transferring to Thomas McKean High School, proudly graduating as part of its first class in May 1967. Just months earlier, Carol met the love of her life, James Lee Shumate, by chance—a meeting that changed her life forever. They married quickly after turning 18 and began their journey together as husband and wife.

Carol and Jim welcomed their son Jimmy and daughter Dawn soon after, and by the age of 20, Carol was raising her young family in Willow Run. Together, they built a home filled with love, laughter, and faith—a home that became the heart of family gatherings for decades.

Carol was known for her kindness, giving nature, and unwavering devotion to her family. She loved being a stay-at-home Mom, homemaker, gardening, and reading, and was a frequent visitor to the local library. She served as a homeroom mother, organized games for neighborhood kids, and was a favorite among all moms. Her civic association work in Willow Run and her daily walks with her dogs made her a friend to everyone, creating lifelong friendships along the way.

She was proud of her husband’s woodworking talents and supported him through his own cancer battle before age 40 and throughout his life. Carol always had new ideas and “honey-do” lists for Jim, and together they made their home a warm and welcoming place. She always put others first, especially her family. She helped raise her grandchildren while her daughter worked and was Dawn’s best friend, confidante, and rock—supporting her through her heartbreaking loss of Kyle and helping her heal.

Carol is survived by her husband Jim; son Jimmy (Cindy); daughter Dawn Shumate Brown (Brian Murphy); and granddaughter Taylor Brown. She was preceded in death by her beloved grandson David Kyle Brown, her mother Mary Elizabeth Campbell, and her sister Martha Ann “Pat” Turner.

Carol’s memory will live on in every act of love and kindness and in the hearts of all who knew her.

A celebration of her life will be held at 3:00 PM on Friday, January 2, 2026 at Nichols-Gilmore Funeral Home, 212 East Justis Street Newport, DE 19804, where visitation will begin at 2:00 PM.