Carol Susan Dilley Jaudes departed this life peacefully on December 14, 2023, following a brief
battle with cancer. She was 68 years old. Carol grew up in Mt. Vernon, Illinois. She earned a
Bachelor's degree from Illinois State University and taught music to elementary students before
beginning her career on the stage.
Her career as a professional actress gave her opportunities to perform across the United States,
Canada, and Great Britain. Some of Carol's favorite roles include Maria in The Sound of Music,
Eileen in Too Many Girls, Annelle in Steel Magnolias, Harpo in Day in Hollywood/Night In The
Ukraine, and Dolly in Hello Dolly. Carol received the coveted Joseph Jefferson Award for Best
Leading Actress in Chicago Music Theater for her performance of Young Belle in Little Me. She
recreated this role at Ford's Theater in Washington, DC earning a Helen Hayes Award
nomination. Most recently, Carol appeared on Broadway in the musical CATS as Jennyanydots,
the tap-dancing Gumbie Cat.
Carol left musical theater in 1999 to take a position as the Special Events and Arts Ministries
Director for the Eastern Territory of The Salvation Army. In this role, Carol pioneered a new
form of communicating God's message through the arts fostered by her amazing capacity to
demonstrate faith and kindness in all her endeavors. She retired from The Salvation Army in
October 2023, leaving behind a legacy of excellence, genuine goodness, and creativity.
Carol attended the Montclair Citadel Corps where she was a devoted soldier in The Salvation
Army. She dedicated herself to the youth programs wholeheartedly directing the annual
Christmas Pageant with an enthusiasm worthy of a Broadway production. She is survived by
her mother, Kathleen Dilley; her husband of 35 years, Christian Jaudes; her daughter and son-
in-law, Jon and Jacy Knaggs; and her biggest fans, her three granddaughters, Sarah, Hannah,
and Samantha.
A memorial service will be held for Carol on January 12, 2023, at 11 AM with a small repast to
follow. The family has requested that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Montclair
Citadel Corps.