Obituary of Carolyn Switzer

Carolyn Dreyer Switzer, 87, of Beach Park, IL, was surrounded by beloved family and friends when she went home to heaven on February 2, 2016. Carolyn was born on April 1, 1928 in Zion, IL. Carolyn’s parents, Joseph Lester Crow and Catherine Louise (Schmidt) Crow raised her to honor God. Carolyn showed an amazing love for Jesus, her family, and friends (and everyone she met was a friend!). She never earned a degree, but she was a gifted teacher who lived a lifetime of influence leading Bible studies, Child Evangelism Fellowship Bible clubs, Grief Share, serving as a chaplain at Camp Zion, and speaking at women’s events. She and her husband David were missionaries with TEAM missions in Venezuela for 3 years. She was a lifetime active member of Christ Community Church. Carolyn is survived by her daughters, Judy (David) Cook, Nancy Pickering, Cheryl (Carl) Williamson; her stepchildren Jan (Jim) Brooks, Betty Switzer, John (Kathy) Switzer; her grandchildren, Matthew (Susie) Cook, Christine (Bryan) Hunt, Kati (Glen) Brickwood, Alex (Kelci) Pickering, Michael (Beth) Pickering, Noah Williamson, Carolyn Williamson, William Williamson, Josiah Williamson, Ted (Gretchen) Brooks, Heather (Jon) Welsch, Bob (Michelle) Brooks, Christopher (Mary) Brooks, Brian (Tiffany) Switzer, Stefan (Erika) Switzer, Amanda Switzer; her sisters Lorna Thorn, Fay Schmalfuss; her brother, Winson (Ermilee) Crow; and many great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins. Carolyn was preceded in death by her parents, Lester and Catherine Crow; her son, Jimmy Dreyer; her beloved husband Melvin Dreyer on October 6, 1966; her beloved husband David Switzer on February 12, 1997; her grandson, Ryan Pickering; and her stepson, Thomas Switzer. A visitation will be held on Sunday, February 7, 2016 from 2:00 until 5:00 p.m. at Christ Community Church, 2500 Dowie Memorial Drive, Zion. Funeral Services will be held on Monday, February 8, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at the church with Pastor Ken Langley, officiating. Interment will be private at Mt. Olivet Memorial Park, Zion. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Camp Zion (www.campzion.org), or Child Evangelism Fellowship (www.cefofneil.org).