Carole was born on July 2, 1943, in Lawton, Oklahoma to John Robert "JR" and Fleta Mae (Little) Blackburn. She grew up in a family that loved sports of all kinds, but you better be rooting for the OU Sooners if you stopped by on game day! Carole played Volleyball, Basketball, and Softball for Northwest Classen High School in Oklahoma City. She attended Michigan Christian College.

Carole had the most beautiful smile along with a gracious and generous spirit. She loved music and had a wonderful singing voice. She had the opportunity to travel Europe with a youth choir in 1961 where she met some great friends that encouraged her to forego a sports scholarship to a College in Oklahoma and attend Michigan Christian College instead. This choice set the course for her marriage and family life. She met John Whitwell at Michigan Christian College in 1961, and they married in 1962.

As a Christian, Carole always had a positive perspective and a song in her heart. She was a servant to those around her. Working for the betterment of others, she never hesitated to step up when anyone needed help. She loved her family and supported them in every way throughout her life. She backed John tirelessly in his career and her kids in their endeavors and education. In retirement, Carole enjoyed spending time with and watching her grandkids grow into wonderful people with their own unique gifts and talents.

Carole passed October 31, 2024, and is survived by her husband of 62 years, John Whitwell; children, Jim and Jill (Jackson) Whitwell, and Leanne Whitwell; and grandchildren, Sammi (Whitwell) and Matt Edwards, Taylor Whitwell, and Matthew Whitwell.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family requests donations to the Fry/Crain Endowed Scholarship fund for band students at Abilene Christian University. Gifts can be made online at acu.edu/give or by mail to ACU Box 29132, Abilene, TX 79699. If you choose to give online, please do the following:

-Select "Other" for the designation/fund (3rd from the top)

-In the box to enter designation or fund, put "Fry/Crain Endowed Fund"

-Please select the option to give in memory of someone, and there is a place to type in Carole Whitwell.