Carol Ann Schmidt

January 28, 1938 - February 12, 2022

Carol Ann Schmidt of Sarasota, Florida, formerly of Lincoln, Illinois, passed away peacefully at home on February 12, 2022. Carol was born on January 28, 1938, in Lincoln, Illinois, the daughter of Mason and Betsy (Kirkman) Poole. She married Elvin Schmidt on January 19, 1960. Carol graduated from Lincoln Community High School, then earned a degree from Culver Stockton College. She taught elementary school in Bloomington and Lincoln, Illinois, for over 30 years. After retiring, Carol took photography classes and enjoyed photographing her granddaughters, family, landscapes, and landmarks on her many travels abroad. She also taught English for several semesters at Lincoln College. In addition, she enjoyed spending time with her family and friends, especially her beloved "Birthday Club." Carol was very passionate about tennis, whether she was playing, coaching, or watching a match. She coached the girls' tennis team at Lincoln Community High School for several years and enjoyed every minute of it. Carol was preceded in death by her mother and father, Betsy and Mason Poole, sister Mildred (Mickey) Gehlbach, brother Robert Poole, and sister Norma Barnhart. Carol is survived by her husband, Elvin Schmidt, sister Linda Sue (Joe) Diers, sister-in-law Carol Fink, daughters Stephanie (Rich) Mitchell and Betsy (friend Mike Nogalski) Willer, and son Stephen (Holly) Schmidt. She is also survived by her three favorite granddaughters, Brooke Thornton, Britta (Bill Waller) Thornton, and Betsy Thornton, along with her great-grandchildren, Austin and Ayden Crafton, and Jenaya and Jayce Thornton, and many nieces and nephews. She will be missed by us all.