Carol Lou (Walker-Wildey) Jackson

Carol Lou (Walker-Wildey) Jackson passed away unexpectedly at her Noblesville residence on Friday, November 21, 2025. She was born in Columbus, IN, on January 11, 1942. Her parents, Mildred L. (Wagner) Walker and Homer D. Walker, preceded her in death.

In her youth, Carol was a proud member of the local 4-H club for seven years. She excelled in her clothing projects, earning numerous local and state championships. Her passion for teaching was first sparked while instructing Bible school, and her natural aptitude for mathematics guided her educational path.

Carol graduated from Columbus High School in 1959. During her high school years, she was a true leader, serving as the lead majorette for the CHS band (winning local and state twirling competitions), participating in intramural sports, holding offices as the local President and district treasurer of the Future Homemakers of America and winning the Betty Crocker Homemaker Search for Tomorrow. She was also inducted into the National Honor Society and was a 2-year recipient of the Kiwanis award. 

She continued her education at Ball State Teachers College, earning a B.S. in Education in 1963 and a M.A. in 1966. It was there that she boldly invited her classmate, Carl Wildey, to a Sadie Hawkins dance for their first date. Carl and Carol dated throughout their time at Ball State and were married on July 7, 1963. Carol cherished the more than two decades they shared before his life was unexpectedly cut short. Dr. Carl A. Wildey preceded her in death on August 12, 1984. She is survived by their two daughters: Cathy (Dan) Ellinwood of North Vernon, IN, and Cindy (Rob) Green of Noblesville, IN.

A committed educator, Carol, spent over 30 years teaching mathematics and business. For her the education of others and the challenge of continually learning new things herself were paramount. After retiring from Jennings County Schools, she maintained ties with her colleagues at Red Hatter lunches.

Carol was an enthusiastic sports fan, cheering passionately for the Pacers, Fever, Colts, IU, and Butler, but her absolute favorite teams were always those her grandchildren played on. She also dedicated time to her creative passions, including solving puzzles, reading, sewing, knitting, and quilting. Her hands created many memorable items, including the famous Wildey pumpkin costumes, prom and talent show dresses, and cherished memory blankets.

On July 20, 1991, Carol and Albert were married. Their marriage was filled with many wonderful travel memories and spirited, competitive games of cards and dominos. She is survived by her husband, Albert Jackson of North Vernon, IN, and his children: Jack Jackson of Indianapolis, IN, and Dean (Debby) Jackson and Karen Jackson of North Vernon, IN. 

Carol was the proud grandmother (Granny) to 8 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren.

Visitation and funeral services will be held at Dove Sharp & Rudicel Funeral Home on Saturday, December 6, 2025. Followed by burial at the Vernon cemetery.

Visitation: 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Funeral Service: 1:00 PM

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Columbus Christian School. Checks, made payable to Columbus Christian School, can be mailed to 3170 Indiana Ave., Columbus, IN 47201. Donations may also be made by PayPal using the QR code provided below.

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