Mrs. Carol A. Courson, 74, of Galesburg, Illinois, passed away peacefully at 7:30 p.m. on Monday, July 20, 2026, at her home, surrounded by the love of her family.
Carol was born on July 23, 1951, in Galesburg, Illinois, the daughter of Clarence and Velma (Powell) Lamb Sr. She married the love of her life, Charles W. Courson Jr., on November 1, 1969, in East Galesburg. Together they shared more than 56 wonderful years of marriage, and he survives.
Left to cherish her memory are her devoted husband, Charles W. Courson Jr. of Galesburg; two sons, Charles (Debbie) Courson III of Galesburg and John “Bobby” Courson of Iowa; one daughter, Tina (Rich) Swanson of Galesburg; two brothers, Clarence (Lacie) Lamb Jr. and Jimmy Lamb, both of Galesburg; three sisters, Cheryl (Charlie) Tucker of Galesburg, Marvena Neely of Arkansas, and Helen (Tiger) Johnson of Galesburg; eight beloved grandchildren, Cris (Lauren) Courson, Brittany (Jake) Stegall, Cassey (Matt) Courson, Dillon (Amber) Courson, Tyler (Jordyn) Courson, Kayla (Taylor) Courson, Shane Courson, and Blake (Amy) Claeys; seventeen great-grandchildren; a daughter in law, Shannon Courson, and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Johnny Lamb and Bobby Lamb; and one sister, Brenda “Susie” Morris.
A lifelong resident of Galesburg, Carol attended Galesburg schools before earning her GED from Carl Sandburg College. She dedicated many years of her life to serving her community, working in juvenile corrections at the Mary Davis Detention Home until her retirement at the age of 65. During her career, she trained fellow staff members, served as a counselor and mentor to countless young people, and often transported juveniles to court proceedings. Following her retirement, Carol continued serving others while working in the front office at Seminary Manor, where residents always looked forward to stopping by for one of her pieces of candy and a friendly visit.
Carol found joy in life’s simple pleasures. She loved crafting, especially crocheting, and lovingly made blankets for each of her grandchildren, as well as many neighborhood children. She enjoyed putting together puzzles, camping, and spending time along the river in Keithsburg. Carol was an avid fan of true crime television and often solved the mystery long before the episode ended. She never missed an episode of Judge Judy and also enjoyed watching game shows, including Family Feud, Wheel of Fortune, Flip Side, and Let’s Make a Deal. She was also a faithful viewer of the daytime soap opera The Young and the Restless. Above all else, Carol’s greatest joy was her family. She treasured every moment spent with those she loved and created countless memories that will be cherished for generations.
Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 23, 2026, at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Services, Galesburg Chapel. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, July 24, 2026, at the chapel. Burial will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery in Galesburg.
Memorial contributions may be made to Carol’s family husband, Charles W. Courson Jr., to assisted with expenses. Online condolences may be shared with the family though the funeral home’s website. Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Services is honored to serve the Courson family.
