Obituary
Carol Lee Hoffman was received into the arms of Jesus on Thursday January 5, 2017 after recently becoming very ill. Carol was born in Trenton, NJ on November 22, 1944 to John and Hilda Reading. The oldest of six children, she often took on the role of a mom, not just for her family but to all who loved her. Carol loved the beach and was thrilled to call New Smyrna her home. She had many careers over her lifetime, always trying something new, and providing for others. In 1994 she opened a women’s apparel store on Flagler Avenue called “Just Beachy”. When the economy forced a number of local shops to close, Carol went back to school and found her niche by earning a degree in nursing, and just for kicks, obtained her real estate license as well.
Carol loved to travel and was adventurous. She was always gathering up her younger siblings, and later in life her grandchildren, and taking them to the beach, or a movie, Disney, Seaworld or the local fair, anywhere to have fun. She loved and lived for family. She was an amazing person of faith and could be found reading her devotions at the kitchen table every morning as she prepared for the day. Carol was lovingly referred to as Cissy, Nanny, Bobo and Bones. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt, friend and co-worker. Her home and her heart were always open and her acts of kindness, generosity, advice and unconditional love will be greatly missed but never forgotten.
Carol is preceded in death by her son Mark (Michelle Dinkins) Penland; her parents John and Hilda Reading; sister Elizabeth Ann Reading; and brother John C. Reading.
She is survived by her son John (Lynne) Penland; daughter-in-law Michelle Dinkins; grandchildren Alisha (Dave) Kowsky; Jeffrey (Kimber) Penland; Kristen Penland; Brenda Penland; John Britton Penland; Jelisa Melendez; Ariana Melendez; Jasmine Penland; Arabella Penland; Mason Buck; great grandchildren Samuel Penland; Trenton Kowsky; brothers Thomas Reading and Robert Reading; sister Florence (Vince) Smith; sister-in-law Darlene Reading; and many loving nieces, nephews and cousins.
A Celebration of Life will take place on Friday, January 13th at 2:00pm on the beach at the end of the Beacon Street walkway (intersection of Beacon St. and Tide Street).
Flowers may be sent to 1810 Beacon Street, New Smyrna Beach, FL or in lieu of flowers donations may be made to the charity of your choice in her name.
We are grateful and blessed to have known Carol, as neighbors, and watch as she bestowed her loving kindness to her family.
We will miss you.
Sue and Don
You will be missed so much! You taught my siblings and I so much about love, faith, and Family. I hope that I grow to be half the person you were, so honest and forgiving. I hope that when I have children I can pass down our Green eyes and tell my children all about the wonderful woman I got them from. You opened your arms to Amber and I and I'm so glad that she was able to meet you and love you all the same. I love you little, I love you big, I love you like a little pig.
You will be deeply missed. We have been friends for a long, long time. We always said we were sisters in another life. We have been through good times and bad times. You were a wonderful Nanny to our four oldest grandchildren and a second Mom to our oldest daughter when she was married to Mark. Gene and I are so glad that you were part of our lives. May you rest in peace.
Love,
Brenda and Gene
"I loved you yesterday. I love you still. I always have and I always will."
With great love - kisses & hugs - Your Pinkydoodle ❤️