Carol Schamel Sparkman

Carol Schamel Sparkman was born on August 18, 1938, in Borden, Indiana, to Dorthy and Herbert Schamel. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and a woman whose creativity and vision shaped both her family and her community. She passed away on January 14, 2026, with peace and grace, just as she lived, surrounded by her five children.

In 1976, Carol opened The Decor Shoppe, pioneering interior design in New Albany with a beautiful one-stop shop that became a cornerstone of the community. Located in a historic Italian Renaissance–style building across from New Albany High School, she created beautiful, livable, and timeless interiors through her work in both residential and commercial design. Several of her daughters worked alongside her, making the shop a true family business.

Carol was the mother of five children: Teresa, Lisa, Ronda, Cheryl, and Kevin. She was a proud grandmother to Sara, Coby, Casey, Alex, Christopher, Collin, Bailey, Cray, and Sydney, and a great-grandmother to Cruz, Greenly, Remi, Ridge, Ryder, Bodie, Indie, Brinley, and Maeve. Carol’s legacy lives on in the family she raised, the spaces she shaped, and the many lives she touched with her warmth, creativity, and generosity.

In lieu of flowers, please honor Carol’s memory with a donation to St. Elizabeth Catholic Charities.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude for the exceptional care and kindness provided by the staff at Autumn Woods Skilled Nursing in New Albany. They would also like to thank Southern Care Hospice for their compassionate care and support during this difficult time.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, March 8, 2026 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Board & You Bistro and Wine Bar (434 Pearl Street, New Albany, IN). Please join us in raising a glass in Carol’s honor and celebrating her life.

Please consider sharing a memory of Carol or leaving a special message for the family by completing the online Guestbook below.