Carol Wilson

Carol E. Wilson, passed away on Monday, January 17, 2022. Wichita has lost one of its biggest fans, promoters and cheerleaders. A lifelong Wichitan, Carol's passion for the community and the arts knew no bounds. She strived to make a positive impact, to beautify the city and to improve the quality of life for all. She enjoyed the sound of buzzing saws and the hue of construction dust - remodeling underway. Carol loved theatre, film, galleries and museums, saying, "I'm enthusiastic about learning more about the arts and supporting programs that teach and expose children and adults to the arts."
Carol channeled that enthusiasm by throwing her time, energy and support into serving on the boards of many organizations: the Metropolitan Ballet, Wichita Symphony, Stage One, Wichita Collegiate School, Mark Arts, Wichita Children's Home, Wichita State University Foundation, Edwin A. Ulrich Museum, City of Wichita Design Council, and the Wichita YMCA.
Alongside her charitable work, Carol was a savvy entrepreneur. She was the owner-operator of a successful Napa Valley vineyard, co-owner of several oil companies and a commercial real estate investor. Carol was also a lifelong learner who was never afraid to try new things. She was a self-taught gourmet chef and interior design extraordinaire. Carol transformed homes into impeccable works of modern design - one of them was featured in a national magazine because of its cutting-edge and progressive style.
Carol was a trendsetter and life of the party. She loved to host events, executing every detail flawlessly, while spending quality time with her friends and family, especially her "Little People," which is how she referred to her grandchildren. She adored her six children: Melanie, Brandon, Morgan, Andrew, Jennifer and Chris, and their twelve Little People; Cullen, Trent, Carson, Brodie, Langley, Torsten, Lauren, Whitney, Price, Kyrah, Alexander and Elijah. She had a passion for travel, shoes, great music, crossword puzzles, dogs and wine.
Carol lived her favorite quote: "One not only drinks wine, one smells it, observes it, tastes it, sips and one talks about it." Next time you have a glass of great wine, toast to Carol Wilson as someone who meant so much to many and to the beauty and thriving arts community we enjoy in Wichita today.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Mark Arts or the Ulrich Museum.