Carol Joanne Miller-Karel, 50, of Ridge, Maryland died on June 7, 2008 at the Washington Hospital Center, Washington, DC.

Carol Karel was born Carol Miller to Frederick John "Jack" and Joan Miller in Selma, AL on May 3, 1958. Her father was an Air Force officer and frequently moved across the United States. She graduated from La Reine High School in Suitland, MD.

Carol met her husband Steve at Andrews AFB and married in September 1978. Since Steve was active duty Air Force, they were stationed at a variety of places to include Colorado, Germany, California, and Virginia. She worked as a bank teller, slot machine cashier, and payroll clerk. No matter what the position, she always had a warm and generous heart and appreciated the needs of her customers. Carol earned her Associates Degree in Liberal Arts at Alan Hancock College, Santa Maria, CA in 1991, followed by her Bachelor's degree in Mathematics, graduating CUM LAUDE, from Christopher Newport University in Newport News, VA in 1994.

After Steve retired from active duty, Carol was hired in 1996 by Naval Air Systems Command in Patuxent River, MD, as a Software Engineer for the S-3B Viking program. One of her major accomplishments was getting flight certified and was one of very few Software Engineers to actually fly in the aircraft she was developing software for. Since Carol was great at giving nicknames to everyone else, it was appropriate her call sign was (Carol)2. From 2001 on, Carol worked on the P-3C Orion project. She served in various roles, including software development, process improvement, fleet support, and as the liaison between the Software Support Activity and the Program Office.

Carol put harmony in her life by going camping with friends and family but especially her two beagles, Ashley and Honey Bunch. She considered her trailer her "hotel on wheels that always accepts my pets". Carol was always active. She loved aerobics, water skiing, snow skiing and riding roller coasters.

Carol lit up any room with her zest for life and bubbly personality. She loved and was loved by her parents, brother and sisters and good friends. She always put the Fleet first, above all else, while at the same time living and advocating a balanced life.
The memory of a good person is a blessing. Proverb 10:7

A Memorial service will be held on Thursday, June 12, 2008 at 10:00 a.m. in the Patuxent Presbyterian Church, 23421 Kingston Creek Road, California, MD with Reverend Michael Jones pastor of the church officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Beagle Rescue of Southern Maryland, Inc., P.O. Box 983, Waldorf, MD 20604.

Arrangements provided by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A., Leonardtown, MD 20650.