Carol Lynn Swinnerton Hymel

Carol Lynn Swinnerton Hymel

Born: October 18, 1945 – New Orleans, Louisiana

Death: October 28, 2025 – Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Carol Lynn Swinnerton Hymel passed away peacefully in Baton Rouge surrounded by love on October 28, 2025. She was a devoted mother, daughter, cousin, artist, teacher, and friend whose presence brought color, laughter, and compassion to everyone she encountered.

Education and Career

Carol graduated from Princeton High School in Princeton, New Jersey, Class of 1963. As a newlywed, she attended Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas to refine her drawing and artistic skills. After many years working as a paralegal secretary, she later attended Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge to earn her bachelor’s degree in education. That degree allowed her to follow her true passion and become a middle school art teacher in East Baton Rouge Parish, where she taught from 2005 until her retirement in 2021. Her students often described her as patient, inspiring, and full of creative energy, a teacher who saw potential in everyone. She carried a creative soul that flowed into every part of her life—finding purpose in her art, her students, and the people she loved.

Art and Personal Life

Carol was a deeply talented artist, and her pastel and watercolor works captured the beauty in ordinary moments from a child’s expression to a bowl of fruit, a quiet beach house under the Florida sun, horses, landscapes, still lifes, and so much more. She was a juried member of the Degas Pastel Society, a proud member of the Louisiana Art & Artists Guild, Pastel Society of North Florida, Associated Women in the Arts, Art Guild of Gonzales, and the St. Francisville Gallery. She received numerous awards throughout her extensive career including Awards of Excellence and many first and second place honors in art shows and festivals across multiple states. Her works are featured in many private collections and corporate collections, including Catholic High School in Baton Rouge. She also taught privately and conducted countless workshops to pass on her gift of artistry. Carol’s paintings and sketches remain a living legacy of how she saw the world: filled with light, texture, and meaning.

Carol once wrote, “My painting is a celebration. What a privilege to express the simplicity and magnificent form, feel the emotions of color, and see the joy of the moment. All too often we go through our days barely noticing the things which enrich us the most and yet cost us nothing – our surroundings – the lives we touch and those that that touch us. Each piece I do is experienced and executed with great delight. I see all around the glory of nature, precious and sometimes fleeting moments shared with others, and the breathtaking beauty of God’s creation, and I am always amazed and thankful. I feel a need to share that celebration with you.” —Carol Hymel.

Carol loved tennis and was a Team Captain for BREC. She also enjoyed fishing, gardening, and the outdoors. She found immeasurable joy in the company of her beloved dogs, each one a rescued soul who reflected her kind and nurturing spirit.

Faith and Character

Carol was a devoted Catholic and a member of Our Lady of Mercy Church in Baton Rouge. Her faith and compassion guided her through life’s challenges and gave her strength and grace in her later years. Through her faith and artistry, she left an indelible mark on everyone blessed to know her.

Family

Carol is survived by her daughter, Erin Michelle Hymel; son, Chad Matthew Hymel (Corrinne Elizabeth Raygor); and her granddaughter-in-law, Dakota Jewel Millette.

She is also survived by several sisters-in-law, to include Martha Pickett Hymel who was by her side on one of her last days here with us, as well as many cousins residing throughout the country. Carol is remembered lovingly by all of the Hymel and Swinnerton family members and many dear loved ones who held a special place in her heart. She is preceded in death by her parents Stanley Hayne Swinnerton and Carlon Jeanne Pistorius Swinnerton, as well as her former husband Kenneth Joseph Hymel.

Special Thanks

The family would like to express heartfelt gratitude to Patty D’Angelo, whose devoted care and companionship brought much comfort and dignity to Carol in her later years. The family also extends their thanks to the compassionate staff of Clarity Hospice, Hannah Majors of Audubon Home Health who supported Carol with such a kind and gentle manner, as well as her lifelong friend Pat McAdams and to the many friends and former students who shared their love and lived experiences with Carol.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Second Chance Dog Rescue of Baton Rouge in memory and honor of Carol.

https://secondchancedogrescuela.org/donate-volunteer/

Second Chance Dog Rescue is a nonprofit, foster-based dog rescue focused on saving homeless and neglected dogs in the Baton Rouge area, and an organization whose work Carol held in high regard.

A Celebration of Life for Carol will be held in early 2026. Details will be shared once all arrangements are confirmed.