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.
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11 Condolence(s)
Robert Roehm
Saturday, December 9, 2023
Jay and Carol were special friends to me, we are already missing both Jay and Carol! Call me any time if I can be of help!
Velma Byrd
Saturday, August 26, 2023
My condolences to ur family Ms Carol was a wonderful person and absolutely amazing women that brought me joy just seeing her smiling her personality was awesome I will miss u always
Robert E. Roehm
Friday, August 25, 2023
Carol and Jay were special to me! I remember them well and have so many fond memories of them while they were in Colorado! I remember when they met and then married, Jay worked for me and I have so many fond memorizes of them! i visited their home in Colorado and once in Texas!
Remember if you are ever in Florida to contact us and visit! If there is anything that I can do, please feel free to contact me! I am now 91 years old but still get around! My wife passed away two years ago and I still miss her! In closing, I repeat, feel free to contact me anytime!
Love, Robert (Bob) Roehm
Janee Theleman
Thursday, August 24, 2023
It’s been many years since I’ve seen Carol. We were roommates when she met and dated Jay. How her eyes would shine! So glad she had a productive life and much love from her children. My sympathy to the family.
Barbara Lockeby
Thursday, August 24, 2023
Robby and I treasured our friendship with Carol. She was a source of great comfort and support when Robby was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in 2008. We spent many hours visiting and playing dominoes with her. She will be greatly missed.
Donna Williamson
Wednesday, August 23, 2023
Becky, I have expressed my deep gratitude and love for my dear friend Carol, your precious Mom. She loved life and shared her love and unique sense of humor with everyone. One of my fondest memories is from one of our trips to Springfield, Mo; we sang and she “kind of danced†in her seat to soul music and she pretended she was one of the Supremes. We laughed so hard we cried but oh what fun! She adored you, Ann and Mark-the twinkle in her eyes. May your precious memories bring you comfort during this time.
Renee Stephens
Tuesday, August 22, 2023
Becky and Ann,
I enjoyed caring for your mom dearly. She was kind,thoughtful and funny,a joy to work for. I enjoyed the times we went out to eat and she loved good food,shopping and even going to see a movie! She was a no nonsense person too,she kept it real. Velma and I will miss her lots.
Nina Burroughs
Tuesday, August 22, 2023
Becky, I kept up with your sweet Mom and family through my daughter, Julie. Most people don’t know you and Julie go way back as good friends. You were at my house many times, and I was at yours. Your Mom was always so welcoming and kind. My heart goes out to you, Becky, but you took good care of your Mom and will savor wonderful memories. May God comfort you as only He can. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Love, Nina (Eggerss) Burroughs
Sherry and Carson Rutger and Family
Tuesday, August 22, 2023
Our Family Loved Carol and was a Big part of our family while our kids were growing up. We all Loved her and will Miss Her Deeply ‼ï¸ðŸ’–💔
Julie Eggerss Garcia
Tuesday, August 22, 2023
I have fond memories as a child when our car would pass by the Whitaker’s house, seeing Carol and Jay sitting outside and waving at all the passing cars.
In the summer, when Becky and I were home from college, Carol was generous with her time and helped Becky and I sew some shorts as a summer project. She even gave me a perm one summer! She was always fun to be around and I felt like I was her 3rd child during those summers.
May the memories shared by others give comfort to Becky and Ann and the extended family. Much love to you all.
Julie
Courtney & Rhonda Trammell
Tuesday, August 22, 2023
Carol was a wonderful person, we became friends with her when she had car problems. She was a joy to talk to and a pleasant person to be around. She will be missed. Rhonda and Courtney Trammell