Carol Madison

Carol Ann Madison, 88, of Edwardsville, Illinois, went to be with the Lord August 16, 2026, with her family by her side. Born Carol Ann Layton on August 15, 1938, in Granite City, Illinois, she was the youngest of four children of Anna Mae (Townsend) Norton and Noble Layton. Carol married the love of her life, Richard Darrell Madison, on November 21, 1956, and celebrated 55 years of marriage until his passing in 2011.

Carol was a fundraiser for the Madison County Tuberculosis Association from 1957-1977. She earned a Master of Science in Special Education and School Psychology from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville in 1978.

Carol devoted her life to serving the needs of people with different abilities. She was the founder of The Illinois Center for Autism in Fairview Heights, Illinois, directing the school from 1977 until her retirement in 2004. She also started the businesses Pasta Fare and Petals Remembered in Fairview Heights, which provides vocational skills training and employment opportunities for adults with autism. She served on numerous national, state, and local boards and commissions dedicated to education and advocacy of people with special needs.

July 28, 2004, was designated Carol Madison Day by the State of Illinois for her tireless devotion to the field of autism for children and adults with special needs. The Illinois Center for Autism campus was later dedicated to Carol.

Above all, Carol was devoted to her family.

Carol is survived by her children, Richard (Nina, widowed) Madison II and partner Cindy Meyer, of Edwardsville, Marilyn (Richard) Jones, of Richmond, Virginia, and Nicole (W.H. Baird) Garrett, of Jackson Hole, Wyoming; grandchildren, Richard (Marci) Madison, Christina (Brett) Sheroky, Christopher (Mary Grace), and Adam Collins; 2 step-grandchildren, Rachel and John Garrett; and 9 great-grandchildren, Tanner, Colton, Averie Madison; Madelyn, Morgan, Nolan Sheroky; Gardiner, Ford, Lucy Collins.

A memorial visitation will be held on Friday, August 28th, 10 am - 12 pm at Weber & Rodney Funeral Home in Edwardsville, with a memorial service immediately following at noon. Private interment at Sunset Hills Memorial Estate in Glen Carbon. Carol's family suggests memorial gifts to The Illinois Center for Autism Endowment Fund, 548 S. Ruby Lane, Fairview Heights, IL 62208. Condolences may be shared online at weberfuneralhome.com.

Obit Provided By:
Weber & Rodney Funeral Home