Carole Leigh Childres Knowles, 82, of Mobile, Alabama, passed away peacefully on August 11, 2025, in USA Health Providence Hospital, surrounded by the love of her immediate family. Born on April 14, 1943, in Mobile, Carole was the daughter of Roy Isaiah and Annie Eudora Childres of Prichard, Alabama. She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers Ivan Childres and Cicero Eugene Burrell; nephew Geno Burrell; and her beloved best friend, Martha Hunt. A graduate of C.F. Vigor High School, Carole proudly served her country, first in the United States Air Force for three years and later in the Alabama National Guard. She re-enlisted in the 1970s, and her unit was activated during Hurricane Frederick, playing a vital role in crisis response throughout the Gulf Coast. After more than 20 years of dedicated service, Carole retired from the National Guard in the early 2000s. Later in life, she studied to become a nurse, reflecting her lifelong dedication to helping others. Carole and her best friend Martha Hunt shared a deep bond, raising their children together as close as any siblings could be. That bond extended to Martha’s daughter, Angie Hunt Surgenor, whom Carole loved and adored as her own. She was a devoted member of Christ United Methodist Church in Mobile and was deeply committed to her family—especially her role as a grandmother, which brought her immense joy. Her adventurous spirit took her to Ireland twice, with dreams of returning a third time. In honor of her father’s unfulfilled wish to learn the fiddle, Carole took up violin lessons later in life. She was also a talented artist, known for the extraordinary detail in her drawings. Carole enjoyed sudoku puzzles, Bible Study Fellowship, seafood, sweet treats, and sharing “dad jokes” and witty puns that sparked laughter wherever she went—a gift she proudly passed on to her son, Marc. In recent years, Carole resided at Gordon Oaks Senior Living Center, where she was cared for with compassion and kindness. Her family extends heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated staff and management for their loving support. Carole is survived by her sister, Ruby Elizabeth Burrell; sister-in-law, Patricia Ann Childres; sons Wade Carlos and Marc Daniel Knowles; chosen daughter Angie Hunt Surgenor; nephews, Anton Burrell and Roy Ivan Childres II; nieces, Belinda Parker, Beverly Childres, and Pam Montgomery; grandchildren Daniel Montgomery Knowles, Maia Itaska Knowles, Caroline Elizabeth Knowles, and Erin Michelle Knowles. Carole will be remembered as a silly, fun-loving woman with an unmatched work ethic, a generous heart, and a joy for life that inspired everyone who knew her.
April 14, 1943 — August 11, 2025
A celebration of life will be held Thursday, August 14, 2025, at Mobile Memorial Gardens, 6040 Three Notch Rd, Mobile, AL. Visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m., followed by the service at 10:00 a.m.
