Carol Paisley

Donna “Carol” Paisley, 94, of Carlinville, IL, formerly of Virden, IL, passed away Saturday, May 9, 2026, at Carlinville Health and Rehabilitation Center.

Carol was born November 9, 1931, in Virden, IL, to Harold and Revah (Myers) Riffey. She married her high school sweetheart, Robert “Red” Paisley, on January 28, 1951. He preceded her in death on August 3, 2011.

She is survived by her children, Bruce (Cathy) Paisley of Virden, IL, Janis (Mike) Hawkins of Thayer, IL and Craig (Barbara) Paisley of Topanga, CA; nine grandchildren, Rob Paisley, Nick (Taylor) Paisley, Kyle (Pamela) Hawkins, Alexis Paisley, Drew (Alicia) Hawkins, Kristi (Doug) Nassif, Jill (Mark) Wright, Katie Hawkins, and Alexandra Paisley; nine great-granddaughters, Sophia, Maggie, Annika, Allie,Juliet, Quinn, Mazie, Elliot and Lila; five great-grandsons, Jack, Rowan, Owen, River, and Michael; and her brother, Kent (Ginny) Riffey.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; and an infant sister.

Growing up in Virden, Carol held several jobs, including answering phones at Berry Funeral Home and cleaning houses. She enjoyed watching movies at the local theater and participating in school activities.

She graduated from Virden High School with the Class of 1949 as a a member of National Honor Society and Homecoming Queen. She attended Monmouth College. Carol was a lifelong member of First Baptist Church.

Carol devoted many years to working as a school librarian, where she especially enjoyed reading to children. She was known for warmly hosting family gatherings and for her famous banana chocolate chip cookies and fried chicken. Carol and Red enjoyed traveling together, visiting Hawaii, Europe, and Alaska, and spending summers at the family cabin on Sunset Lake. She was the tireless family planner and activity director. In her later years, she treasured time with her great-grandchildren, especially playing balloon keepy-uppy with them.

The family will receive friends for visitation Friday, May 15, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. at Airsman & Calvert Funeral Home in Virden, IL. Funeral services will follow at the funeral home. Burial will be in Virden Cemetery.