Velta Carol Jimenez

IN MEMORY OF: Velta Carol Jimenez Serving Location: CRAIN FUNERAL HOME – ANNA 135 West Vienna Street, Anna, Illinois Velta Carol Jimenez, age 80, of Cobden, Illinois, passed away on Thursday, January 25, 2024 at her residence. She was born on 1943 in Red Oak, Oklahoma. Carol was blessed with a life journey as a teacher/educator, having taught in private and parochial education in Oklahoma, Dixon, Illinois, and Rockford, Illinois. She received a Bachelor’s Degree from Southeastern State University in Durant, Oklahoma, a Master’s Degree from Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, Illinois, and did her postgraduate studies at Universidad de Salamanca. Carol contributed to education in the field of Adult Education, English as a Second Language, Bilingual Education, and as a schoolteacher of Spanish, English, and French. In 2003, Carol, her husband, and family relocated to Southern Illinois and found their “Pedacito de Tierra” or small acreage of land. Growing 21 varieties of specialty hot peppers, Carol soon became known for her Habanero Honey Spread, Orange Jalapeno, and a list of seven spicy jellies and jams. Darn Hot Peppers soon became a favorite at farmers markets across the state and large coverage in the interstate online market. Carol’s greatest joy was in having raised a family of two boys to be men that are of God’s spirit; hard working and loving of their family, and caring contributing members of their community and nation. Carol is survived by her husband of 59 years, Gerardo Jimenez, son, Xavier Jimenez with spouse, Erica Smith Jimenez, grandsons, Kai Ke and Rio Le Jimenez, living in Truckee, California, Victor Jimenez with spouse, Nikhia Griffith Hamm Jimenez, living in Fairfax, Washington, and three siblings, Duane, Rose, and Judy. Carol was preceded in death by her father, Ivan Nelson, mother, Juanice Nelson, six siblings, Randy, Gail, Jean, Frances, Ann, and Virginia. The family will host a memorial service for Carol Jimenez on Saturday, February 3, 2024 from 2:00 PM until 3:00 PM at the First Presbyterian Church of Cobden with Rev. Sterrett Collins officiating and a reception following from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM. A private family union will be held at a later date for the spreading of her life’s ashes. In lieu of flowers, the family requests with gratitude that memorial contributions be sent to Hospice of Southern Illinois, 305 South Illinois Street, Belleville, IL 62220.

Velta Carol Jimenez

April 7, 1943 - January 25, 2024