Carol Mongerson Gilley, of Fountain Inn, SC, passed away on April 3rd, 2026. She was 73 years old.

She was born in Evanston, Illinois in February, 1953. She grew up there, in Park Ridge, Ill, and in Elyria, Ohio. Later, she attended Depauw University in Greencastle, Indiana, graduating with a degree in French. After college she landed her dream job as a flight attendant for United Airlines.

She married Kyle Gilley in June of 1979. She raised three sons and volunteered at their schools while living in Columbia, MD, Fountain Inn, SC, and in Clermont, France. She was very community oriented wherever she lived. This is why she opened the Yum Yum Snack Shop in Fork Shoals 14 years ago. She has also been instrumental in getting roads improved and getting city water in our area, creating a Community Crime Watch, envisioning Cedar Falls Park, co-creating the Fork Shoals Historical Society, and serving the Citizens for Quality Rural Living group. She also formed the “Adjusting in Bangkok” club. Since childhood, she was very interested in floor plans. This helped when she restored their 1912 farm house on McKelvey Road, and later when designing their current home on Terry Road.

She is survived by her husband Kyle, three sons, Matthew (wife Cristin), Patrick (wife Syrah) and Lee. She also has eight beautiful grandchildren; Claire, Eli, Eleanor, Alice, Harper, Mara, Madeline, and Gannon. All the grandchildren adore their “NeNe” and how she makes everything fun.

Her family will commemorate her by planting flowers all over their farm. Flowers will be planted at both crosses, the circle of grandchildren trees, Rock Creek, Grapevine Glade, the Beech House, and even at the Yum Yum Snack Shop. In honor of her strength, an oak tree will be planted at the center of the circle of grandchildren trees.

Donations in the form of flower bulbs or other plantable flowers will be much appreciated. Send to her address at 130 Terry Road, Fountain Inn, SC, 29644. Donations toward this beautification project can be sent through Zelle to her phone number 864 430 5922.

A service to honor her will be held at the Fletcher Funeral Home in Fountain Inn on Saturday, April 11th at 4:30 pm, with a visitation immediately after. Join us there to celebrate her life.