Obituary of Carol Rae Shockley

Carol Rae Shockley, 78, was born March 9, 1938 in Bakersfield, California to Alan and Lavada Schapansky. She was the eldest of two with her younger sister Judy. She went to be with Jesus on December 13, 2016 in Hollister, California. Carol graduated from Campbell High School class of 1956. She was a multi-award winning baton twirler as a part of the Top Hatters Majorette troupe. She was also a synchronized swimmer, song girl, and won Homecoming Queen several times over. After high school, she married Douglas Gravelle and became the mother of three children, Byron, Cindy, and Michelle. Later, Carol became an award winning hairstylist, taking first place in San Francisco in 1968 at the 21st annual West Coast Spring Beauty and Hairstyle show. She successfully owned several salons in Los Gatos, San Jose, and Santa Cruz. After taking separate paths, she was reunited with her high school sweetheart, Bob Shockley, and they wed in October 1977. Bob and Carol owned antique and fine art stores in Capitola, Santa Cruz, and Mariposa. They were also the owners of a beloved B&B in Mariposa where they hosted annual family reunions for many years. During this time, Carol also discovered her love of art, and developed into an accomplished watercolorist, winning the Yosemite Renaissance 23rd Artwork Award for her piece "Yosemite Kaleidoscope" which was exhibited in national parks across the country. Carol loved hiking near her home in the Yosemite area, painting, doing yoga, swimming, having her family visit, playing Chinese checkers and video games, caring for her beloved pets, going to "the show" and gardening. Carol loved to share her love for the Lord with anyone she met. She had a strong faith, and lived by the motto "trust and obey". Her family has peace knowing that she is now with her Lord and Savior. Carol is survived by her sister, Judy Adams, her three children, Byron Gravelle, Cindy Klindt, Michelle Gentry, and her two step-daughters, Debbie Gleeson and Brenda Shockley. She leaves behind 12 grand children and 5 great grand children with one on the way, as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Carol's memorial will be on Saturday, December 17th at 1:00 pm at Joshua Inn B&B, 712 West St., Hollister, CA 95023. Friends and family are welcome to come celebrate her life. In lieu of flowers please consider donating to Carol’s church Grace Community Church of the Sierra 3367 Woodland Drive, Mariposa, CA 95338.