Cover photo for Carol-Anne Clobridge VanNocken's Obituary
Carol-Anne Clobridge VanNocken Profile Photo

Carol-Anne Clobridge VanNocken

d. February 13, 2018

Carol-Anne Clobridge VanNocken

Carol VanNocken, age 82, died on Tuesday, February 13, 2018, in Biloxi, MS surrounded by her family who she loved. Her strong will to live, unwavering faith in God, and love of all who had the pleasure to know her carried her through to the very end. Carol was born on June 30, 1935 to the late Paul and Grace Clobridge of Watertown, New York. Known affectionately as “Honey” to her hometown friends, Carol graduated from Watertown High School in 1953 and began college with the goal of becoming a registered nurse. One night in 1956, Carol was out at a club with friends when she spotted a young man across then room. As she would later recount, she turned to her friend and told her, “I’m going to marry that man.” On September 21, 1958, she married the love of her life, Robert VanNocken. Instead of becoming a nurse, Carol was a devoted Air Force wife to Robert and mother to their 4 children. After living in Newfoundland, New Jersey, North Carolina, Mississippi, Japan, then back to Mississippi, Carol decided it was time to return to college to fulfill her dream of becoming a nurse. She graduated from Jefferson Davis Junior College in 1975 with her Associate’s Degree in Nursing. She loved being a nurse and was a blessing to her patients. Carol was forced to give up nursing in 1998 due to a Spinocerebellar disorder which was slowly taking away her ability to walk without assistance and dementia which was slowly taking away her memories. Even through this adversity, she refused to give in to her health problems and spent several years volunteering at Keesler Air Force Base Medical Center in Biloxi, MS where she was known by everyone as Mrs. Van. Carol never let her life circumstances to get her down. She had a very loving and giving heart. To all who knew her, she was a friend. She loved watching wrestling and was a die-hard New Orleans Saints fan. Most of all, she was a devoted wife to her groom of 60 years. Every morning as her daughters were bringing her from their bedroom to the living room, Robert would smile and say “Hello pretty lady.” Her eyes would light up, she’d get a beautiful smile on her face, and reply, “Good Morning my love.” Carol was preceded in death by her parents and beloved son, Steven. Survivors include her husband, Robert, of Ocean Springs, MS., daughters, Sherri Willis and Cathy (Rick) Berry and son, Richard, all of Ocean Springs, MS; her brother, Paul G. (Ann) Clobridge II of Minoa, New York; 7 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren, who lovingly called her Memaw. Rest well in the loving arms of your Lord and Savior beautiful lady! We were blessed everyday to have you. We love you Momma! - Cathy Visitation will be on Monday, February 19, from 5pm until 6pm, with a 6pm Celebration of Life, all at the Ocean Springs Chapel of Bradford O'Keefe Funeral Home. The Ocean Springs Chapel of Bradford O'Keefe Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
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Past Services

Visitation

Monday, February 19, 2018

5:00 - 6:00 pm

Bradford O'Keefe Funeral Home - Ocean Springs

911 Porter Avenue, Ocean Springs, MS 39564

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Celebration of Life

Monday, February 19, 2018

Starts at 6:00 pm

Bradford O'Keefe Funeral Home - Ocean Springs

911 Porter Avenue, Ocean Springs, MS 39564

Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text. Standard text messaging rates apply.

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