Carol Ann "John" Whitaker

Carol Ann (John) Whitaker, 86, passed away peacefully in her sleep on August 26, 2025, at Commonwealth Senior Living in Christiansburg, Virginia. Carol was born in Weaubleau, Missouri but raised in Englewood, Colorado, where she developed her lifelong love of learning. She devoted her professional life to education, serving as a public school teacher with patience, creativity, and abiding care for her students Carol was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 64 years, Calvin (Cal) Whitaker, who passed away in March 2025. Together, they built a home and family filled with love, laughter, and faith. Following Cal across the world due to his military service, Carol taught in school systems everywhere they moved. For Carol, teaching was more than a career-it was a calling, and she remained deeply proud of the opportunity to help shape young lives. Carol will be remembered for her warmth, her beautiful smile, and her devotion to her family. She is survived by her daughter, Michelle Brauns (husband Al) of Blacksburg, and her son, Dean Whitaker (wife Shelly) of Boones Mill. She also leaves behind her treasured grandchildren-Jason (wife Kim) and Adam Brauns, and Graham and Evan Whitaker and great granddaughters Allison and Alaina Brauns-along with several nieces and nephews. A memorial service for Carol will be held on Saturday, September 6, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at McCoy Funeral Home in Blacksburg, with visitation beginning at 1:30 p.m. Prior to her passing, Carol expressed her wish that we gather to celebrate the life she shared with her family and her marriage with her dear Cal. She will be interred with Cal at the Southwest Virginia Veterans Cemetery in Dublin, Virginia. The family is deeply grateful for the kindness and support of friends and loved ones during this time – especially to Carol's "girls" at Commonwealth and Medi Hospice. Arrangements are being handled by McCoy Funeral Home, Blacksburg, In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Philip's Anglican Church in Blacksburg (Welcome | Saint Philip's Anglican Church), Commonwealth Senior Living in Christiansburg, Medi Hospice or a non-profit of your choice.