JERSEY COUNTY, Ill. — The names of the Alton, Illinois, couple who died during Tuesday's flash flooding were recently released by the local St. Mary's Catholic Church.
Terry and Carolyn Dooley, both 88 years old, were found dead by deputies on Beltrees Road. Jersey County Sheriff Nick Manns said his office was alerted to a car in floodwaters at that location. The deputies found the body of Carolyn inside the car. Terry's body was later found along Piasa Creek, around a quarter-mile from the vehicle.
A neighbor said the couple wasn't too far from their family farm in Elsah. The duo lived in Alton.
Alton Main Street Director Sara McGibany told 5 On Your Side she volunteered with Carolyn and saw her and Terry as a powerhouse philanthropic couple who were very involved in the community. McGibany said she was in the beautification committee with Carolyn.
McGibany said Carolyn was very passionate about maintaining community gardens and keeping the area litter-free. She said the couple cared about their neighborhood in Middletown.
"They were the most pleasant, upbeat and positive people and leaders in civic engagement," McGibany said.
McGibany added that the Dooleys left a lasting legacy with their many children and grandchildren.
There are several bricks outside the historic "Haskell Playhouse" building. One inscribed with Carolyn's name, calling her a leader, friend and loyal advocate beloved by all. Another said, "Carolyn Dooley: Our queen of Middletown".
"The Dooley’s were wonderful people," Alton Municipal Band Chairman Adam Rodgers said. "Carolyn’s support of the Alton Muni Band and Haskell Park has benefited all of the citizens of Alton. We are all saddened by this loss."
Father Chris Uhl with St. Mary's Catholic Church said the two were longtime parishioners.
He just spoke to the couple earlier this week.
Uhl shared that Terry was a part of the church's financial council for more than 30 years. Carolyn was a a teacher with St. Mary's and an educator in the area.
Uhl said, "A very good couple, very fun, they always had a lot of fun. She always had a smile on her face."
He believes they were together for more than 50 years.
"Just a good couple, always together and sometimes poking fun at each other. It’s always good to see," Uhl added, "Joyful and faithful would be a great legacy for them."
Their funerals will be on Monday.
A 70-year-old man was also trapped on Beltrees Road, but a 911 dispatcher was able to explain to him how to climb through his sunroof and onto the roof of his car, where he waited until he was rescued.
Water rescues were conducted across the region Tuesday as quickly rising waters stranded drivers, flooded buildings and overtopped a dam in Nashville, Illinois. These are the first two deaths related to the flooding to be reported in the area.