Carol Ann McWilliams Bilo, lifelong resident of El Dorado, passed away on August 28th in her hometown that she loved so dearly. The McWilliams were one of El Dorado's pioneering families that built the Rialto Theater and the McWilliams Furniture Building on South Washington. They also owned
one of El Dorado's first car dealerships - McWilliams Auto Company.
Carol Ann was a vibrant, energetic individual, known for her fun-loving nature and was always on the go. Her wide circle of friends, spanning all ages, speaks volumes about her charismatic and inclusive
personality. She had a zest for life that was contagious.
Carol Ann was a stay-at-home mother until her youngest finished high school. She then decided she wanted to be a school teacher and studied to receive her BSE degree from Henderson University. She stated that in some ways she lived her life backwards and always doing things HER WAY! She was a popular and beloved teacher. Her 'later in life' career was marked by a dedication and passion for education, influencing countless students over the years. Also, she made life-long friends with all the
young teachers she worked with.
Carol Ann was a member of St. Mary's Episcopal Church. She taught children's church on
Wednesdays, along with Kittye and Suzanne, well into her 80's.
She leaves behind a family that will miss her dearly. Carol Ann is survived by her children, Suzy (Drew), Diane (Rick), Beege (Jan), and Bobby (Paula) and her grandchitdren Anna Allbritton, Blair Bilo, Brandon Bilo, Carone Bilo, along with seven great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her husband, Gene Bilo; her parents Joe Carroll and Lillias McWilliams; her brother Buddy McWilliams and her
granddaughter Mary Carol Sheppard.
Services to celebrate Carol Ann's life will be held Thursday, September 5th at 1:30 at St. Mary's Episcopal Church. Memorials may be made to St. Mary's Episcopal Church, 512 Champagnolle, El
Dorado, AR 71730.
Condolences can be expressed online at www.youngsfuneralhome.com for the Bilo family.
