Remembering Livermore Icon Carol Jean Famariss

LIVERMORE, CA — Carol Jean Famariss of Livermore passed away on Feb. 24, 2017 at the age of 94. Founder of Carol Jean's Dance Studio, she taught dancing to thousands of students in Livermore from 1946 until 2007.

Born in Oakland on Dec. 20, 1922, she was always known as Carol Jean and loved dancing, even as a little girl. At an early age, Carol Jean's mother took her to dance lessons to learn tap and jazz dancing. While attending Livermore High School, Carol Jean taught dancing to children on the front porch of her home on 5th Street, was named Livermore's Rodeo Queen, and represented the Livermore Rodeo at the 1939 Golden Gate International Exposition.

Carol Jean began her professional teaching career in 1946 at Livermore's Palm Ballroom. The Carol Jean Dancers performed annually in the Livermore Rodeo Parade, at the Alameda County Fair and parade, at the Livermore-Pleasanton Rod & Gun Club, Livermore VA Hospital, Livermore Fraternal Order of Eagle's, and San Francisco Moose Lodge. The Livermore Rodeo Parade honored Carol Jean as a 1987 Community Service Award recipient, while the Eagles honored her as Mother of the Year.

Carol Jean is survived by her husband, Richard Famariss, cousin William Huddleston, and niece Sandy Baird. She was preceded in death by her parents Norma and Sam Huddleston.

A celebration of Carol Jean's life is planned in lieu of a service on March 11, 2017 at the Shrine Event Center at 170 Lindbergh Avenue in Livermore. Doors will open at noon.

Donations can be made in honor of Carol Jean Famariss to the Shriner's Hospital for Children - Northern California, 2425 Stockton Blvd., Sacramento, CA 95817, or to the hospital by telephone (916) 453-2000.

Obituary, photo submitted by P. Fracisco