July 22, 1939 — October 1, 2025
In Loving Memory of Carol Elva Skaggs Austin What a joyous day it must have been on the Skaggs Farm in Terryville, Kentucky at the home of the late Paul Thomas and Elma Fyffe Skaggs on July 22, 1939. The twins were coming, Gwenola Mae arriving first followed soon by Elva Carol. By the end of the day, Dickie had two baby sisters.
Carol battled vascular dementia for over four years. Carol fought the dementia to the very end but it finally took control of her body and she left her earthly home in a peaceful transition on Wednesday, October 1. In addition to her parents, Carol is preceded in death by her husband Billy Gene Austin, a daughter Teresa Ann Ison, a sister Paula Jean Skaggs, a great-nephew Cole Wasierski and a sister-in-law Jeraldine Skaggs.
Carol is of the Mormon Faith. She was baptized March 11, 1962 by Elders Keith Smith and LaGrand Shingleron.
Carol is survived by her son Robert Ison and his wife Kay, and daughter Kandy Ann Austin all of Louisa, KY. She is also survived by a grandson Travis Ison and his wife Mackenzie of Lawrenceburg, KY. Carol is also survived by her brothers Robert “Dickie” Skaggs and Thomas “Terry” Skaggs along with his wife Garnett all of Martha, KY. Her twin sister and best friend Gwenola “Gwen” Constable and her husband Roy of Pickerington, OH also survives her. Carol is also survived by five nephews and two nieces along with numerous great nieces and nephews.
In their later years the “twins” talked every day at least once and often times more until dementia overtook Carol’s ability to do so. Carol was a woman of many talents…..she attended Beauty School and opened and operated her own salon in Columbus, OH. She mastered the art of upholstering and refinishing furniture and did an excellent job at it. Carol joined the staff of historic Grenelefe Resort in Haines City, Florida where she served in the Security Department as well as earning her certification for and serving as an Emergency Medical Technician and a Firefighter. In June 1985 Carol joined the police force of Haines City, Florida where she worked her way up to be Sergeant Carol Skaggs in the Uniform Division. She was passionate about her work as a Police Woman and Sergeant title while providing essential guidance and competence development for her team of officers. Sergeant Skaggs was forced to take early retirement from the police force following a work related injury. There is no doubt that serving on the police force was her favorite job. Carol admitted that the donuts weren’t a bad perk.
Following retirement, Carol and her husband Billy relocated to Rutherfordton, North Carolina. Following his death Carol returned to her native Lawrence County, KY. Following in her mother’s footsteps, Carol was an avid reader. She enjoyed reading Western novels by Louis L’Amour and others written by V.C. Andrews. Another topic that Carol enjoyed reading about was the British Royal Family. As long as she was able to she looked forward to the weekly People Magazine coming so she could check to see what the British Royals were up to.
Visitation will be Sunday, October 12, 2025 from 5 PM to 8 PM at Young Funeral Home and on Monday, October 13, 2025 from 11 AM to 1 PM at Young Funeral Home.
A Celebration of Life will begin at 1 PM on Monday following visitation.
Young Funeral Home has been entrusted with the care of Mrs. Austin and her family.
