Carol Jean Hewer, professor emeritus Bakersfield College, died at her home in Ridgecrest, Calif., while under hospice care on Sept. 30, 2017 at age 78.
She was born in Eureka Springs, Ark., the daughter of Albert and Mildred Parker, in 1939. She spent her early years in Eureka Springs and graduated from Eureka Springs High School as class valedictorian in 1957.
She entered the University of Arkansas and graduated in the College of Arts and Sciences with a degree in English literature in 1960 with highest honors. She was a lifelong member of Phi Beta Kappa, and received a master’s degree at the UofA in 1962.
After one year teaching English at Eureka Springs High School in 1962-63, she joined the faculty at Bakersfield College, Bakersfield, Calif. In 1968 she transferred to the Bakersfield College Desert Campus, now Cerra Coso Community College, Ridgecrest, Calif. That same year she met Gary Hewer whom she married in October 1969 in Bakersfield. She retired from CCCC in 2001 after 38 years.
She was predeceased by her parents, sister Helen Maxwell and her first husband, James Hollis Ward.
She is survived by her husband, Gary, daughter Elizabeth Gossett, son-in-law Keola Gossett, grandson Dante Gossett, nephew Daryl Maxwell, and numerous Parker relatives.
The family thanks the Hospice Care caregivers and all our friends who sent cards and text messages, and spent comfort time with her during her last days.
A memorial service will be Oct. 21 at the Ridgecrest (Calif.) Presbyterian Church for family and friends.