Carroll Elaine Maus
January 25, 1944 ~ March 21, 2024
Carroll Elaine Maus, 80, passed away on March 21, 2024, in Rocky Mount, NC, where she resided with her devoted and cherished husband, Jon Maus. Her mother, Alvro, gave birth to Carroll E. Dormon in Shreveport, Louisiana. Her loving father, Leo E Dormon, now 99, was a Navy pilot, a career that took the family to many destinations throughout his career. Carroll graduated from Old Dominion University and remained in the Tidewater area for many years, enjoying being near her dear parents. She married kind hearted Walter W. Collins, in college, and they were both loving parents to their only child, Heather Collins Femia, (Joseph Femia). Carroll became a successful teacher, and was recognized, at one time, as teacher of the year. She was inspiring to her students at Little Creek, Taylor and Larrymore Elementary Schools in Norfolk and Sunrise Valley Elementary School in Reston. She gave much of herself to women's organizations such as Suburban Junior Women's Club where she served as an officer and chairperson. She also was an active member of Alpha Zeta chapter of Alpha Delta Kappa, an organization of women educators. Carroll brought joy to those around her through her creativity in forms such as cooking, crafting, and entertaining. Carroll and her second husband, Jon Maus, relocated to Northern Virginia to be closer to her three grandchildren, Natalie, Hannah and Joseph. Throughout the grandchildren's childhood, Carroll provided help, support and encouragement in their education and interests. Her home always welcomed visits from family. Carroll and Jon enjoyed gardening, cooking, canning and volunteering with the local chapter of the American Legion during their time in Round Hill, Virginia. Extended family in Louisiana, brought Carroll much love and happy times. Of special note, treasured Diane Johnson, who was a source of strength and comfort during Carroll's illness. Her lifelong friend, Jane Ann Snyder, recalls Carroll's industrious spirit, how each spring Carroll picked many pounds of strawberries to make delicious jam that was given as gifts. Also of note was Carroll's devotion to her dogs, large and small, throughout her lifetime. Her family wishes to thank the caregivers that helped treat and care for Carroll during her battle with cancer. Carroll: a daughter, friend, wife, and mother, will always be remembered. Her giving heart, sense of humor, and good company will forever be deeply missed.
A Celebration of Life Service in June will be announced at a future date. Updated service information can be referenced by visiting www.wheeler-woodlief.com/obituaries/Carroll-Elaine-Maus?obId=310451122.
Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com.
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Our sincere condolences for your loss.Love, Pat and Dennis
Hello Heather…so sorry for your loss. She raised a sweet and caring women in you. God bless you and your family. Always,
Pat Millard
For many years, Aunt Carroll and Uncle Walt opened their home to family gatherings at Christmas. The house was packed with those who lived far away, while those who lived closer visited for long days of fancy eats provided by Carroll. We kids were relegated to the “kids table” in the kitchen, while the adults enjoyed the formally set table in the dining room. She set the standard for how I now host holiday gatherings, with a beautiful formal dining table with candles, place cards, chargers, colorful glasses, and cloth napkins.
Every fall, Carroll made her own white grape jelly, and generously gifted jars to family and friends. I still measure every “gourmet” jelly against that standard. My excitement at finding a new brand and examining each variety soon fades when I don’t see a white grape option. I have never found its equal.
There were three of us kids, raucous and full of rivalry, compared to her only child, Heather. She was kind, calm, patient and generous to all of us kids. I was closest in age to her daughter, and Aunt Carroll often found us matching outfits, even though Heather was always so much taller than me. Many of our childhood photographs were gifts from her.
My Aunt Carroll had a genuine smile and an easy grace. She will be sorely missed.
Mrs. Maus was my 3rd grade teacher at Taylor Elem back in the late 80s. If memory serves she liked our class so much that she moved with us up to 4th grade (that was our version anyway). Not sure I can name all of my teachers through the years but Mrs. Maus certainly made a lasting impression.