     Carol Elaine Knight was born February 12, 1934, in South Gate, California, in her parents' home, and she was raised there. After her marriage, she moved, but returned to South Gate in 1972, when she bought her home and remained there until her death on January 30, 2002. Carol was extremely proud of being a native of both South Gate, and California, and was also very proud of the many strides that the city took to better itself for the citizens. She attended Lynwood schools and graduated from the 12th grade from Lynwood High School (at that time, it was known as Compton Jr. College). She leaves one Daughter, Janice Soldano, and son-in-law, Sam Soldano; a grandson, Colin Douglas Care IV; a granddaughter, Lisa Daniell Williamson; 2 great grandchildren, Christian and Dylan Williamson; 2 sisters, Shirley Holland and Phyllis Hogadone; nephews, Kenneth and Chris Holland; niece, Michelle Fields; five great nieces and nephews; and many, many friends whose lives she touched. Carol was very proud of her daughter and grandchildren, and bragged about them whenever she had the chance...in fact, she was proud of all of her family. In 1953, at the age of 19, Carol was afflicted with polio. She had no use of her arms or hands, so she used her feet to write, type, knit and taught herself to do many things. She was the telephone chairman for the Osceola PTA for 5 years; was a member of the South Gate Lawanaas Club; the Woman's Club of South Gate; the South Gate Eastern Star; was appointed to the South Gate Civil Service Commission and the Community Development Committee; was a member of the California Association of the Physically Handicapped and served two terms as President of the Rancho Chapter; a member of the Polio Survivors Association; she volunteered at Rancho Los Amigos Hospital (surgery information desk); was chairman of the March of Dimes for both Downey and Norwalk and assisted them for over 20 years; was a founding member of the SCRS Independent Living Center, housed in Downey, which gave services to the disabled for free, helped them find affordable housing, helpers, jobs, etc. and served on their board for over 20 years, and, of all her accomplishments, this was the one that she was most proud of. She was also a Life Member of REACT International, being a member of the South Gate team since 1980, and in 1996, she joined the Long Beach team (holding a dual membership). She enjoyed her radio and the many REACTers she knew. She also enjoyed her involvement within the city of South Gate, and the many people and dignitaries she met and knew within the city. Carol was most happy in proving to people that, although handicapped, you could still do things and worked hard getting curb cuts, wheel chair ramps and handicapped parking in South Gate, Downey and Bellflower, CA. Carol was given a State Resolution for her work in this area from State Assemblyman Frank Vicencia, which was one of many awards that she was proud of. After many years, she found it necessary to cut down on her activities, but remains as active as she could. Carol found her way back to God through her attendance at Peace Lutheran Church in South Gate. Her pastor helped her in this endeavor, which gave her peace of mind. Janice, Carol's daughter, shares that, "My mom had an extended family. Catalina (Cathy) Victoria lived with and took care of her for 22 years. Caty has 2 sons, Ignacio and Edgar, their wives and 4 grandchildren, who were her second family. Caty's whole family, including her mother, sister and the many other family members, treated my mom as if she were their own, and, I doubt if my mom would have done as well as she did without their love and devotion. Family and friends will visit on Sunday February 3, 2002 from 4:00 to 8:00 PM at Gardenside Funeral Service, South Gate. Funeral service will be held on Monday, February 4, 2002, at 9:00 AM at Peace Lutheran Church, also in South Gate. Interment will follow at Rose Hills Memorial Park, Whittier, CA. On behalf of the family, a special thank you is extended to all those who have touched Carol's life with love, laughter and friendship. When I was young, Carol was my neighbor in Sylmar, CA and she took care of my sisters, brother, and myself after school. We did our homework and played. She was a good teacher not only with school work, but life as well. I was amazed at how she signed our school notes and sewed with her feet. It helped teach me that life has no limitations and we need to persevere through everything. I was living with Carol's sister, Shirley, when Carol was first afflicted with polio. Over the months that followed, she was a constant inspiration to me. I always felt better after having seen her or talked to her. If she could remain so positive and cheerful, and accomplish everything she did in spite of her handicap, I could certainly prevail against whatever was troubling me. I always showed her cards & letters (written with her feet) to everyone -- and it resulted in her inspiring many others who never knew her. I wish her the peace and happiness she so richly deserves. I am the new president of South Gate React, and Carol and I were working very closely. She always encouraged me to do my very best, in spite of any difficulties I might encounter. I can still remember what she told me the evening before she passed, "Don, never give up, no matter what happens you must continue and go on." I will miss her deeply. She will always be with me in my heart. She was a very good friend to my son Dennis Hicks and we are very sorry to hear of her passing she will greatly missed. I have always been inspired by Carol's strength and determined personality. I last saw her about 25 years ago and regret that we didn't have a chance to be together again before she joined our Lord. I will remember her with love and much admiration. Jan, I'm so sorry to hear about your mom. She really was a wonderful woman. Even though I have known her for 50 years, I didn't realize how truly special she was until I read her tribute. She has amazed me since I was 4 years old. As a child I was most impressed by the fact that she could write and knit with her feet. But as I grew older I was impressed by her spirit and determination. She will be missed. My folks don't have E-mail, but you know how they felt about your mom. She was like another daughter and I know they would like me to pass on their regards. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Carol and I were at Lynwood High School together; when I began contacting Alumni, she and I started corresponding. I told her, in the course of exchanging life stories, about my adult son,who suffers permanent brain damage following a cardiac arrest 9 years ago. Carol was so wonderfully supportive, and said prayers for him, even in light of her own problems. What a great lady. Jan, My sister Carol lives on-even in death she is helping others. Her daughter, Janice agreed to the donation of her corneas, skin and bones to help others in need. I am so proud of my niece for her generosity. Carol always helped others and that hasn't stopped. Although I miss Carol-she always started and or finished her telephone talks to me with "Well,dear I knew Carol from South Gate REACT. She was a driving force on the team. So much so that when she passed the team faded away within two years. She was a great friend and taught me to never let my limitations stop me from achiving my dreams. Can't believe its been five years since she passed. I think of her often. Mary Hicks
Joyce & Debby Vinson P.O. 474 Redwood Valley, CA 95470   Carol was my mother and father's friend. They used to roller skate together. My dad had pasted these pictures to the photo album. DEBBY VINSON |
