Winifred T. Caraway

Winifred T. Caraway, Executive Director of the former Happy Day Nursery School and Educational Center in Waukegan passed away on Tuesday, May 10, at the Vista East Medical Center. She was 87. Mrs. Caraway was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and raised in the Zion-Waukegan area. From an early age Mrs. Caraway was known for her beautiful voice. When her family relocated to Illinois, she was frequently invited to sing at churches, private and civic events in Zion, Waukegan, and back in Milwaukee. Following high school, Mrs. Caraway attended Howard University where she graduated with a major in Music Education with the class of 1952. She went on to pursue her masters in Education. She initially taught in the Milwaukee Public Schools and later in the San Francisco, California school system as a vice principal before returning to Illinois when her Mother became ill. Family, music and working with young people were the inspiration for her work. She delighted in introducing her nieces, nephews, students and anyone who would listen, to the possibilities musical expression offered. At the end of her school day Mrs. Caraway would often journal the sayings and actions of her students in poetry, a practice she continued for many years. Her father, Edgar Thomas, a physician, her mother, Anna Perry Thomas, founder and Director of Happy Day Nursery & Educational Center, and her husband Arthur Caraway, an artist and African Art Historian, preceded Mrs. Caraway in death. She is survived by her loving sisters: Anna Lois Standard, of Washington, Mildred Madison of Michigan and Constance (Johnnie) Allen of Illinois as well as many other close family and devoted friends. A private observance was held for Mrs. Caraway at the Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Zion, Illinois. In lieu of flowers or contributions, please call an old friend.