Carolyn Bright Kurth

Age 78, of Wilmington, Illinois, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, March 17, 2025, at her home.

Born February 24, 1947, in Paris, Illinois, Carolyn Ann was the daughter of Archie and Margaret Ann (Hensen) Vestal. She was raised in Paris and graduated from Paris High School with the Class of 1965. The following year, she married Richard Bright on March 11, 1966, and together they relocated to Wilmington, where they built a home and raised their family. Richard preceded her in death in 1999.

Carolyn made her career in secretarial work, holding positions at FiberTech and the Godley Park District before ultimately dedicating herself to what she loved most—being a full-time grandmother.

A member of St. Rose Catholic Church in Wilmington, Carolyn found joy in life’s simple pleasures. She had a passion for ceramics, which she enjoyed for over three decades, participated in weekly tai chi, and was always on the lookout for treasures at local garage sales. Carolyn took immense pride in her home and garden, meticulously tending to her yard and finding peace in the beauty she created. She was a proud supporter of the Wilmington Wildcats and, in recent years, became an enthusiastic fan of the Chicago White Sox.

Fiercely independent and full of spirit, Carolyn was known for her feisty nature, yet she had a generous heart and was always willing to lend a helping hand. Above all, she will be remembered for her unwavering love and devotion to her family, especially her grandchildren, who were the light of her life.

Carolyn’s memory will forever be cherished by those who knew and loved her.

Survivors include her husband, Tom Kurth, whom she married March 3, 2004; children: Doug Bright of Bourbonnais, David (Katherine) Bright of Emington, Illinois; daughter-in-law, Julie Bright-Allott of Gillespie, Illinois and step-daughter, Michelle (Dan) Wandless of Wilmington; grandchildren: Kelsey (Austin) Wabi of Tinley Park, Sydney Bright (Isaac Casas) of Momence, Illinois, Mariah Bright (Josh) Smith of Marseilles, Illinois, William Bright of Braceville, Illinois Emily Bright of Norway, Illinois, Jaclyn Allott of Geneva, Illinois, Jason Bright of Edwardsville, Illinois, Jacob Allott of Quantico, Virginia, Jessica Allott of Wilmington, Ashley Weis of Nashville, Tennessee, and Colin Weis, J.T. Mandac and Abby Mandac, all of Wilmington; one great granddaughter, Beatrice; one brother, Steven (Julie) Vestal; two sisters: Mary (Joe) Kubicek and Linda Mullenix, and brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: Nathan Blye, Debbie (Max) Glass and Pat (Bill) Farner, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Carolyn was preceded in death by her parents; first husband, Richard Bright; son Derek Bright, daughter-in-law: Pam Bright, sister, Patty Blye; step-son, Eric Kurth and sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law: Barbara (Robert) Dawson, Betty (Joe) Mansfield and William Bright.

The family will receive friends for a celebration of Carolyn's life, which will be held at the Wilmington V.F.W., 557 W. Baltimore Street in Wilmington on Saturday, April 5, 2025 between the hours of 1:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. 

Carolyn will be laid to rest in Mount Olivet Catholic Cemetery in Wilmington, Illinois with her late husband Richard and son, Derek.

Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Carolyn’s memory to the Riverside Healthcare Foundation and directed toward their Cancer Institute.

Family and friends are encouraged to log onto www.BaskervilleFuneral.com to sign the guest book, upload photographs and share Carolyn’s memorial page online through social media.

Cremation services and memorial arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Reeves, Fruland & Baskerville Funeral Homes and Crematory in Wilmington. (815-476-2181)