Carol Marie Dickinson

Carol M. Dickinson, 74, of Columbia, Missouri, passed away on Monday, October 12, 2026, at University Hospital in Columbia, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on December 4, 1951, in Louisiana, Missouri, to Homer Lee and Jewel Elizabeth (Colbert) Arendall.

Carol graduated from the University of Missouri with a bachelor’s degree in mathematics education, beginning a lifelong journey marked by hard work, dedication, and a genuine commitment to others.

Carol devoted 40 years of her career to Commerce Bank. She began working there as a teller while attending college and eventually rose to the position of banking executive. Along the way, she took a few years away from banking to teach mathematics, sharing her knowledge and love of learning with others, before returning to the banking industry. She ultimately retired from Commerce Bank in 2014.

On May 12, 1973, Carol married William Kenneth Dickinson in Wellsville, Missouri. Together, they built a life centered on love and family and were blessed with two children, Bradley and Julie.

Carol had a remarkable gift for sewing and a special talent for turning fabric into treasured keepsakes. Through her hands, she created far more than clothing; she created lasting memories and tangible expressions of her love. She lovingly made American Girl doll clothes for her granddaughters, homemade costumes, and one-of-a-kind outfits for each of her grandchildren. Her sewing talents also touched the lives of many young performers as she made numerous dresses for Rock Bridge High School choral program.

In addition to sewing, Carol enjoyed crafting and quilting, always finding joy in creating something special for others. She was a selfless woman with a generous heart who gave freely of her time, talents, and love. She had a way of making the people around her feel cared for, often expressing her love through the thoughtful things she made and did for them. The gifts she created will remain cherished reminders of her loving hands and the heart behind every stitch.

Above all, Carol treasured her family. She found her greatest happiness in being a wife, mother, grandma, and friend. The moments spent together, the traditions she helped create, and the love she shared so freely will live on in the hearts of her family for generations to come.

Carol is survived by her beloved husband of 53 years, William Dickinson, of Columbia, Missouri; her children, Bradley Dickinson and his wife, Karen, of O’Fallon, Missouri, his children/her three cherished grandchildren, Laura Anne Dickinson of Kansas City, Missouri, Lindsay Rose Dickinson of Columbia, Missouri, and Ryan Kenneth Dickinson of O’Fallon, Missouri. And her daughter Julie Dickinson of Columbia, Missouri; She is also survived by many cousins, other relatives, and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Homer Lee and Jewel Elizabeth Arendall.

Memorial contributions may be made in Carol’s memory to the National Kidney Foundation or American Cancer Society

Family and friends are invited to gather, share memories, and offer words of comfort and support on Saturday, October 17, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Memorial Funeral Home in Columbia, Missouri. A service honoring and celebrating Carol’s life will follow at 12:00 p.m. in the Memorial Funeral Home Chapel. Committal prayers and burial will take place at Memorial Park Cemetery in Columbia, Missouri.