Carol Spore, 81, Princeton
Carol Spore, 81, of Princeton, was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. She passed away surrounded by the love of her family.
Her life was marked by creativity, service, and a deep devotion to the people and communities she cherished.
Carol was born September 24, 1944, in Fairfield, Ill., to Russell Hilliard and Juanita (Cariens) Hilliard.
She graduated from Fairfield High School in 1962. Carol continued her education and earned a Bachelor’s degree in Education. She married Robert “Bob” Spore on December 28, 1986 and was blessed with nearly 40 years together.
Carol was preceded in death by her parents and sister, Mona Holland.
She is survived by her husband, Bob Spore; children, Greta Morrow (Jim), Jill Bottoms (Brad), and Neal Vanway (Carol); stepchildren, Lisa Riley (Carey), Bobby Spore, and Jennifer Stallings (Steve Watt); sister, Sue Ellen Schneider (Richard); brother, Russell Dale Hilliard; brother-in-law, William Spore; grandchildren, Samantha Pruden (Jesse), Melanie Ayer, Luke Morrow (Kaitlin), Kayla Miller (Zack) Tyler Bottoms (Alex), Travis Bottoms (Jaliyah), Kiersten Bottoms (Ethan Spindler), Quade Harvey, Vance Vanway, Ellanie Vanway; step-grandchildren, Lacy Overton (Andy Hart), Lanae Hyneman, Jacob Spore (Kati VanMeter), Justin Spore; three great-grandchildren; 11 step-greatgrandchildren, and nieces and nephews all of whom have brought her immense joy.
Carol dedicated 21 years of service to the North Gibson School Corporation, where she touched countless lives with her kindness. In addition, she taught art at Frontier Community College in Fairfield, IL. Alongside her husband Bob, she also owned and operated Dubois Lanes in Huntingburg for 20 years, creating a welcoming place where friendships were formed and memories made.
A gifted and lifelong artist, Carol expressed her creativity through painting, quilting, crocheting, knitting, and gardening. She was also an avid bowler and enjoyed the fellowship it brought. Her hands were rarely still, and the beauty she created—whether on canvas, in fabric, or in her garden—reflected the warmth of her spirit.
Carol was an active member of Columbia General Baptist Church and the Cinderella Home Extension, where she found purpose, community, and opportunities to serve others.
She will be remembered for her gentle heart, her artistic talent, her unwavering faith, and the love she poured into her family. Carol’s legacy lives on in the many lives she touched and the countless creations she leaves behind.
A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, May 11, 2026, at Columbia General Baptist Church in Princeton with Rev. Ron Marsh officiating. Burial to follow at Columbia White Church Cemetery. Visitation will be held Sunday, May 10, 2026 at Colvin Funeral Home from 3 p.m. until 7 p.m. and again at the church on Monday, 9 a.m. until service time
The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Compassus Healthcare, Deaconess Hospital Neuro, Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, and the IU Health Neuroscience Center in Indianapolis.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Columbia General Baptist Church or ALS Foundation. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home and church. Please make sure to indicate Carol’s name in the memo line.
Online condolences can be given at ColvinFuneralHome.com where you can share a memory of Carol with her family. Colvin Funeral Home is honored to serve the Spore family.
