Carol Ann Michel's Obituary
Carol Ann Frances Michel, 85, of Washington D.C., sadly passed away on January 23, 2026. Carol was born on January 21, 1941, to Vernon Joseph Michel Sr. and Edvige Marie Leary-Michel in New Orleans, Louisiana. Carol was the fifth of twelve children. She grew up in Washington, D.C., alongside her mother and siblings. Carol lived and worked in the District, becoming a private early childhood educator, caring for and teaching many young children.
Alongside caring for and educating children, Carol would have adventures in the great outdoors. She enjoyed activities like boating, fishing, race car driving, and motorcycle riding all throughout Washington, D.C. and surrounding cities. Carol also engaged in academic and creative activities up until older age, she enthused in pastimes such as crossword puzzles, writing poetry, reading, watching jeopardy and crime mystery shows, and fashion.
Carol had a tenacious personality, sharing her comedic wit and sarcasm with those she encountered, being brutally honest in the best way. Her humor was accompanied by her charm and care for everyone. She had a heart for children and young people, giving to organizations such as St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, especially during the Christmas holiday, her favorite time of the year. Carol would make sure there was a gift under the tree for any child that crossed her path. Children would gawk and awe at her splendid Christmas village displays and Nativity displays and her glamorously decorated trees. Even her long-time companion, Snoopy the dog, would have gifts and a Christmas plate.
Carol has reunited with her late son, Xavier Gomez. She is survived by her other three children, Carlos Gomez, Emanuel Gomez, and Tanya Hendricks, her seven grandchildren, Xavier (Tabriz) Gomez, Terry Brown, Jade Jimenez, Christian Gomez, Gabrielle Hendricks, Gabriel Gomez, and Christina Gomez, her six great grandchildren, Ashley Brown, Alexander Brown, Isabella Gomez, Faith Gomez, Julia Jimenez, and Adonis Gomez, and her younger siblings Gaylord Michel, Marian (Terry) Michel, Donald Grimes, and Madeline Grimes. Carol’s spirit lives on in them, with many of her descendants being involved in artistry, academia, and caregiving. She will be truly missed and remembered.
What’s your fondest memory of Carol?
What’s a lesson you learned from Carol?
Share a story where Carol's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Carol you’ll never forget.
How did Carol make you smile?

