Carolyn Whitaker

Carolyn Whitaker, 78, of Merrill, passed away on February 23, 2026, at Bell Tower Residence. 

Carolyn Bryant White was born to William and Nellie White on October 14, 1947, in Fredericksburg, Virginia. She married Jim Whitaker on June 16, 1968. 

Because of school and employment changes, they lived in 15 different homes in 4 different states over their 57 years of marriage. Due to health issues, they moved to Wisconsin for the last 6 years of her life. 

Carolyn got her Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education at Radford University in 1969. She was a teacher of young children, and most enjoyed teaching them how to read. After more than 20 years of teaching, Carolyn retired in 2005. 

Carolyn committed her life to Jesus Christ and became a devoted follower. She was a wonderful ministry partner to her husband, playing the piano and teaching women’s Bible studies in several church settings. 

Carolyn was a loving mother and grandmother. Carolyn and Jim had two children, Brian (Kristin) Whitaker and Beth (Robert) Brightup; and six grandchildren, Katie Whitaker, Alex Whitaker, David Whitaker, Emily Whitaker, Nathan Brightup, and Chloe Brightup Firestone (dec.). 

The funeral service will be held at 11:00 A.M., Tuesday, March 3, 2026, at Taylor-Stine-Waid Funeral & Cremation – 301 Eagle Dr., Merrill. Pastors Dan Shields and Adam DeBroux will officiate. Burial will take place in Merrill Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will receive friends beginning at 9:30 A.M., Tuesday, March 3, 2026, at the funeral home. 

For those unable to attend in person, the service will be live streamed and available for viewing at 11:00 A.M., Tuesday, March 3, 2026 under Carolyn’s obituary on the funeral home website, and will be posted there for future viewing. 

Taylor-Stine-Waid Funeral & Cremation Services of Merrill is assisting the family with the arrangements. Online condolences are encouraged and may be made at www.taylorstinewaid.com