Carole Ann Wimberly

Wimberly, Carole Ann (Bruchis) of Lake Charles, LA, passed away peacefully on Monday, March 24, 2014. Carole was born on September 13, 1938 in New Orleans, Louisiana, the daughter of Jenna and Abraham Bruchis. Carole grew up in New Orleans, graduating from St. Mary's Dominican High School and St. Mary's Dominican College. Married in 1963 to her husband of fifty years, Kenneth Wesley Wimberly, Carole taught school for many years in New Orleans and in Lake Charles, where she and Ken settled in 1966 after moving from Orlando, Florida. Carole had a rich life, filled with family, friends, community service, travel, and devotion to her church, St. Michael's and All Angels Parish. As Carole never met a stranger, she was the perfect candidate to become president of the Newcomer's Club in Lake Charles, an active member of the Lake Charles Junior League, Garden Club, and Lake Charles Country Club, one of the original members of the Krewe of Mystique, serving as a Duchess, and a member of the Krewe of Barataria. With her theatrical talent and beautiful voice, Carole was involved not only in local theater, but was a founder of the Liberty Bells singers and an active member. She also ran a successful Lake Charles gift shop, the Stock Market, with close friends for many years. Carole loved her daily walks - whether in the neighborhood or in one of the many destinations where she traveled throughout the years, especially Dallas and Del Mar, CA. Her spiritual commitment and devotion to the church will be remembered by many - as she tirelessly helped with the St. Michael's gift shop, and served as lay reader for many years. But Carole will mostly be remembered for her spark, her drive, her sense of adventure, her zest for life and above all, the lifelong pride she showed in her family - as wife, mother, and "Nana" to her four grandsons and new granddaughter. Carole is survived by her husband Ken, son Ken, Jr., and his wife Linda and grandsons Ryan and Jack of Dallas, TX; son Keith and his wife Kelli and grandchildren Grayson, Henry and Sadie of Lake Charles, LA, and niece Denise Montz of Las Vegas, NV. Carole is preceded in death by her parents and sister, Marion Meyer. Carole's family would like to extend special gratitude to her caregivers Hilda, Kari, Jeanette, and Dolores, who provided such loving care to Carole over the past year. A visitation will be held on Wednesday, March 26, 2014, at St. Michaels and All Angels Parish, 123 W. Sale Rd, Lake Charles, LA 70605 from 4:00-7:00 pm. Another visitation will be held on Thursday, March 27, 2014 at 9:00am, with services following at 11:00 am, also at St. Michael's. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Carole's memory to St. Michael's and All Angels Parish or to the Alzheimer's Foundation of America.