Carol Anis Hembrough

Carol Anis (Anderson) Hembrough, 85, of Omaha, NE, went home to Jesus on Ash Wednesday, February 18, 2026.

Carol was born on Christmas Day in 1940 to James and Helen Anderson. She was raised on a farm near Bethel, IL, in a multi-generational home filled with family. At just 18 months old, she lost most of her hearing after contracting both Scarlet Fever and German Measles. Through years of determination and training, she became a remarkably skilled lip-reader — a resilience that would define much of her life.

As a girl, Carol enjoyed sock-hopping around her bedroom to Elvis records on full blast, roller-skating laps around the wraparound sidewalk of the house, reading every book she could find, and getting her hands dirty around the farm whenever her mother would let her. Despite her hearing loss, she was deeply social and active in school life — serving as a cheerleader, participating in Future Homemakers of America, marching band, 4-H leadership, and earning honor roll recognition. It was through 4-H that she met the love of her life, David. Carol attended the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. She and David were married on January 28, 1962, in a ceremony on campus. Carol continued her schooling and graduated in 1966 with a degree in Home Economics.

Carol's diverse talents and natural aptitudes enabled her to thrive in many professional roles. She was a Dietitian at St. Francis Hospital in Peoria, Illinois, and a Singer sewing teacher in Spencer, Iowa. Most notably, during her tenure at Waldenbooks in Springfield, Illinois, Carol was promoted to General Manager, where she led her store to record-breaking success, earning numerous accolades and recognition from the company's president. Among other things, she also owned a home daycare and was a design representative for Liz Claiborne at Famous Barr department store in Springfield, Illinois. In every role, she combined skill, leadership, and warmth.

Wherever she lived, Carol poured herself into her church and community. She led, fed, taught, organized, served, and encouraged — always driven by her deep faith. Service was not an obligation for Carol; it was simply who she was. She loved people and wanted to show them her Jesus.

“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.” -  Colossians 3:23-24 (ESV)

She loved being outdoors — whether being on the farm, working in her prolific garden, tending her yard, sitting on her deck, or growing tomatoes well into her later years. Her homegrown produce often found its way into adventurous dishes shared with family and friends. If you knew Carol, chances are you received a spontaneous invitation to join her at her table. It was not unusual to find her sitting at her beloved piano singing hymns, or dancing around the kitchen with the radio turned up loud enough for her to feel the beat of the music.

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.” - Philippians 4:4-5 (NIV)

A fierce but joyful competitor on the volleyball court, at the bridge table, or with a difficult crossword, suduku or computer solitaire, Carol played to win but valued the laughter and connection even more. No one could miss her enthusiastic cheering from the stands as she supported her favorite athletes. Carol embraced life fully. She loved deeply, served faithfully, and gave generously — especially to her family, who were her greatest joy.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” -  2 Timothy 4:7 (ESV)

Carol was preceded in death by her son, Douglas A. Hembrough, and her parents, James Bark Anderson and Helen Mabel (Hale) Anderson. She is survived by her husband, David Hembrough; two children, Michael “Mike” Hembrough of Springfield, Illinois, and Amy Edwards (Sean) of Omaha, Nebraska; five grandchildren, Brandy (Ashley) Wilkinson of Springfield, Illinois, Michael Hembrough of Florida, Clara “Anna” McCully (Justin) of Lincoln, Nebraska, Victoria Edwards of Lincoln, Nebraska, and Joshua Edwards of Bellevue, Nebraska; two great-grand children, Lincoln McCully and Benjamin McCully of Lincoln, NE; and her brother Allan Anderson (Jane) of Charlotte, North Carolina.

CELEBRATION OF CAROL'S LIFE: Thursday, February 26, 2026 at 2:00 PM, with FAMILY RECEIVING FRIENDS one hour prior to the service, all at Christ Community Church - Chapel (404 S 108th Ave.) 

Braman Mortuary & Cremation Services, 6505 S. 144th St. Omaha, NE 68137 / 402-895-3400