of Round Rock, TX

August 13, 2023

Carol Lee Whitaker, 83, of Round Rock, Texas, passed away Sunday, August 13, 2023. She was surrounded by family and died peacefully in her home after a brief illness.

Carol Lee Burr was born to parents Clare and Dorothy of Painesville, Ohio, in 1940. After graduating from Harvey High School in 1958, she completed her education at Mt. Sinai Hospital School of Nursing in Cleveland, Ohio. In 1962, she moved to Denver, Colorado, to begin her career. There she met Jay Lynn Whitaker through friends who would later become Godparents to their children. After their first date, she told her friends she had met the man she would marry.

Carol and Jay went on to have two children, Rebecca "Becky" Lin, and Mark Christopher. Carol raised her children with love and devotion and bravely set a path for her family that would serve as an anchor for each of them. Carol and Jay raised their family in Colorado and Texas, later moving to Arkansas at Jay's retirement.

Carol held a multitude of achievements throughout her life. Some are deeply meaningful, with far-reaching ripples in her community. Other achievements were unique to her stellar personality and sense of humor. Professionally, Carol loved nursing and served as a nurse most of her life. Early in her career, she worked with newborns, then as an administrator and trainer, and finally as a grief counselor and coordinator. Her time with Hospice of the Ozarks was her most fulfilling, helping patients and their families at the end of their lives and then for their loved ones afterward. She was ahead of her time, prioritizing grief when the subject was still taboo.
Carol's other achievements include First Place for the number of beautiful outfits hanging in her closet that she never wore. Ever the entertainer, Carol held multiple stashes of brand-new silver serving ware''¦she was always ready for a party. She had bird feeders outside her window as an avid bird watcher and lover. Although, we're pretty sure she loved griping at the squirrels for getting into the food as much as she enjoyed seeing the birds. Carol's sense of humor included impeccably timed zingers and whispered four-letter words followed by a grin. She was tender and warm while also taking no bull. She lived a life full of courage, deep friendships, and compassion for others, culminating in her children being the entirety of her world. Of all the positive impacts Carol made, her children were her proudest achievement.

Carol is survived by her daughter Rebecca Whitaker and her wife, Ann Taylor, niece Cindy Bearden and her husband, Mark, niece Rhonda Schulte and husband, Jim, and brother and sister-in-law, Bill and Norma Whitaker. She is preceded in death by her parents, Clare and Dorothy, husband, Jay Lynn Whitaker, and son Mark Christopher Whitaker.

A graveside service will be held at 10:00am on Saturday, September 2, 2023, at Gassville Cemetery. The family would like to express their thanks for the tremendous help and care of Carol's hospice nurses and staff. If desired, friends may make memorial contributions to Hospice of the Ozarks.

Obituary Provided By:
Roller Funeral Home
Highway 5 North
Mountain Home, AR  72654
www.rollerfuneralhomes.com