23 December 2009

Carol Jenkins Hardman, 1952-2009


Carol Jenkins Hardman
1952 - 2009

This has been such a sad day for our hospital family. Carol, our Gift Shop manager went to bed with a headache on Saturday and never woke up. Carol ran the St. Francis Hospital Gift Shop like a beloved bar tender might run a bar, knowing everyone, listening to stories, consoling, giggling and advising. People confided in her, sharing their jokes and sorrows.

A native Johns Island gal, Carol worked on Friday as usual and we buried her today in her brown silk civil war reenactment ball gown. Her friends in old civil war uniforms sang Dixie under the ancient oaks as they lowered her casket in the historic church graveyard. It still hasn't sunk in. People asked if I had a picture to put on the Gift Shop door and this heart breaker is the one I found.

My deepest sympathy to Carol's family and all the people who had special relationships with her. We love you.

7 comments:

Les said...

I am sorry for your and the hospital's loss. It sounds like she was said good bye to in a grand way.

Pat said...

A terrific lady - we'll all miss her so much! Thanks for posting her photo, Joan!

Charlestonjoan said...

She was special. I will always regret not taking her up on her offer to dress and make me a "Pirate's Wench" for the Maritime Festival. How many times does someone offer to make you a Wench?

~*~DawnSC~*~ said...

I'm so sorry for the loss of your friend. ((HUGS))

Marcheline said...

Sorry, Joan - glad you guys were able to give her a proper send off. She sounds like she was a pip.

- M

Pam said...

What a sad time of year for a sudden passing.

(But really, a civil war era ball gown? That is just about the...funniest thing ever. A good send off indeed!)

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