Willems, Carol Ann (1956-1965)

Mennonite Brethren Herald obtituary 1965 Dec31 p. 16

Birth date: 1956 Mar 31

text of obituary:

CAROL ANN WILLEMS

The second-graders were taking turns announcing to the class what they would like to do someday when they grew up. Among the future teachers, engineers and nurses, a small dark haired girl raised her hand. "I want to be what God wants me to be." The class was hushed.

And certainly God took her at her word. He knew how to use her "to make us just a bit more lonesome for home", as the pastor said at her funeral.

Carol Ann, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Reuben B. Willems of Delmany, Sask, was born on March 31, 1956. Even as the tiny child she brought a ray of sunshine into her home. At six years, she started school, a bright, vivacious youngster who loved to bring a bevy of chums home with her each afternoon. That year she trusted Christ as her personal Saviour, and announced her experience as a news item in school the next morning.

But in March of her second year of school, she was hospitalized and the dread truth discovered: Carol Ann was a victim of acute leukemia. Fortunately, drugs arrested the advance of the disease and Carol rallied to realize two special dreams for the summer: a week at Bible camp and a vacation trip with her family.

The second time her illness struck, it was complicated by pneumonia and ulcers but, although she missed three months of school, Carol recovered and passed third grade.

From August to December 1965 Carol was confined first to a wheel chair, then to bed. The days of her bubbling energy were a memory, but not so her joy in living. Though these were often lonely days in bed, Carol Ann was still noted for her smile. When she was hospitalized for the last time, nurses and visitors alike found such cheerfulness from one so young and so severely tried an inspiration. "I've been in the hospital a whole week now, and I still enjoy it," she assured a visitor. Her illness she accepted simply as God's will: "Mommy and Daddy told me I could suffer for the Lord Jesus."

And Carol did suffer, though many prayers were answered in that she was spared much of the agony often associated with leukemia. Early Wednesday morning, December 1, Carol joined the angels.

"Life is not told in years, but in deeds," were the words of Rev. Ben Heppner of Dalmeny to the host of friends who filled the church for the funeral on Sunday, December 5. Using Revelation 2:7 as a text, he drew several "threads" in the fabric of Carol Ann's life: a simple personal faith that prepared her to meet God; undaunted courage even in that long walk through the "valley of the shadow"; continuous, unwavering joy, despite suffering; a glorious finish. These he presented as a challenge to those who, though older, may be less experienced.

Rev. C. Braun, principal of Bethany Bible Institute of Hepburn, Sask., offered comfort from the story of Lazarus (John 11). He pointed out how Jesus entered into the lives of others, and how he permits death to enter families because he loves them. Christ knows how to help the broken-hearted: he permits them to express their sorrow; he understands and sympathizes deeply; he seeks to lead them to greater faith in him; and through it all he reveals God's glory.

Anticipating with joy the reunion with Carol Ann are her brother Larry, two sisters, Dawn and Violet, and her parents, who "rejoice to relinquish their daughter to become one of God's jewels."