She was born November 16, 1936, in La Plata, Missouri, the daughter of Olen and Cleo Lucille (Cassidy) Jenkins. She was a graduate of Truman State University in Kirksville, Missouri with a degree in business and a minor in education.
Carol married Robert Stephens on April 15, 1960, in Kansas City, Missouri. She offered home childcare until her children were old enough to attend school. Carol began working early childhood development in day care centers a career which lasted nearly 30 years and positively influenced hundreds upon hundreds of children. During this period, her and Robert relocated to Atlanta, Georgia, and upon returning to Kansas City she retired from childcare.
She spent her last year’s enjoying Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren attending birthday parties and as many ball games as she could. Among her other loves were traveling, watching the Royals and Chiefs play along with anything that involved family or friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Olen and Cleo Jenkins; one daughter, Sarah Stephens; three brothers; and one sister.
Carol is survived by her husband, Robert Stephens, of the home; one daughter, Sharon Kain; one son, Greg Stephens; three grandchildren, Andrew Kain, Laura Jones, and Emily Stephens; four great grandchildren, Shya Clark, Brayden Jones, Andy and Alex Kain; and one sister, Sue Fisher; many nieces, nephews and friends.
A visitation for Carol will be held on Monday, July 21, 2025, at 10:00 AM, at White Chapel Funeral Home, 6600 NE Antioch Road, Gladstone, Missouri, 64119, with funeral services starting at 11:00 AM. Burial will follow in the White Chapel Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, family suggests memorial contribution be made to American Parkinson Disease Association or to the American Diabetes Association.
