Carol was born on November 11, 1941, in Rockville, Indiana, the daughter of John Newton and Mary Elizabeth (Angell) McCord. On November 8, 1957, Carol married the love of her life, Richard Whitesell, and together they shared 68 wonderful years.

Carol was a longtime member of First Baptist Church, Vincennes, where she served as a youth leader and was active on the church's building committee. She worked at Joseph's, Morton's, and Something Special in Vincennes, and also enjoyed a career as an interior decorator.

A master shopper and bargain hunter, Carol loved traveling to Florida and spending time on the beach. She had the rare gift of making friends wherever she went —she could strike up a conversation with anyone and make them feel like family. Above all, Carol's greatest joy was her family. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.

Carol is survived by her husband, Richard Whitesell, and their children: James Richard Whitesell (Joy), Elizabeth Anne Smith, and Jill Osterhage (Brad). She is also survived by her grandchildren: Jacob Whitesell, Jana Ross (Mike), Stephen Smith (Candace), J. Aaron Smith (Tori), J. Garrett Smith (Whitney), Mark Brandon Smith (Taylor), Michael Osterhage (Brittany), Danielle Osterhage-Douglas, and Mitchell Osterhage (Kayla).

Her great-grandchildren include Jacelyn, Mia, and Charlie Whitesell; Jolie Suits; Harvey James Ross; Conner D Brooks, Cooper, Diana Joy, Emmie, Beau, Claire, and Josey Smith;

Lyla Douglas; Jason, Brileigh, Mya, Harper, and Theo Osterhage. She is also survived by her sister, Joann McCord and many nieces and nephews.

Carol was preceded in death by her parents, John Newton and Mary Elizabeth McCord, and her brother, Robert A. McCord.

Funeral services to celebrate her life will be conducted at 1:00 PM Saturday, November 15, 2025, at First Baptist Church, 2625 Wabash Avenue, Vincennes, IN with Pastor Phillip Walthall officiating. She will be laid to rest in Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 11:00 AM until the time of services at 1:00 PM at the Funeral Home.

Memorial contributions can be made in her memory to Riley Hospital for Children, 705 Riley Hospital Dr., Indianapolis, IN 46202, Shriners Children Texas Hospital, 815 Market Street, Galveston, TX 77550, or Castle High School Lyla Douglas Fair Share Program 3344 IN-261, Newburgh, IN 47630.