With heavy hearts we announce the passing of Carrie Lin Parks Whitaker of Cameron. Missouri on February 20, 2026, at the age of 52.
Carrie was born on October 9, 1973, to Larry Parks and Patricia Spurgeon Parks in Cameron, Missouri.
She spent her early childhood in Smithville, Missouri, before returning to Cameron during her middle and high school years. Carrie graduated from Cameron High School in 1992.
In February 2025, Carrie was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. She faced the battle with unwavering courage and grace. For 22 years, she operated an in-home daycare and lovingly cared for many children she considered her own. In October 2018, after raising her own children, Carrie found a new calling as a Parents As Teachers Educator for the Cameron School District. Every young life she touched became “one of her kids" in her heart.
Carrie loved the outdoors and found joy in camping, fishing, and taking golf cart rides to the back of the farm to look for wildlife. She cherished evenings around the campfire and had a deep passion for sports, especially cheering on the Mizzou Tigers, Kansas City Royals, and Kansas City Chiefs.
On October 17, 1995, Carrie married Joseph C. Whitaker Jr. in Las Vegas, Nevada. Together, they built a beautiful life and family, blessed with three children: Jackson Booth (Alanna), Sydnie Hargrave (Brennon), and Murphy Williams (Alex).
Carrie's most cherished role was being "Grandma" to McCoy Williams, Ollie Gene Hargrave, Alice Williams, and Evelyn Booth, with another grandchild expected in August.
She is survived by her loving husband, children, and grandchildren; her parents, Larry and Patricia Parks; sister Lori (Carey) Scott; and mother-in-law Joyce Whitaker. She is also survived by brothers-in-law Jeremy (Mandy) Whitaker and Jimmy Whitaker, sister-in-law Jackie (Alan) Krebs, and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews. Special friends Kasey, Connor and OnaLee Owen, Mark and Paula Ott, Jeff and Ashley McNew, Carol Patterson, and Vickie McBee.
Carrie was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents, Dwight and Lydia Parks; maternal grandparents, Willis and Lois Spurgeon; father-in-law, Joseph Whitaker Sr; and uncles Donald, Stanley, and Ray Spurgeon.
A Rosary will be recited at 8:30 am. at St. Munchin Catholic Church in Cameron, followed by visitation from 9:00-11:00 a.m. on February 28.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. at the church, with Fr. Thomas Ludwig presiding.
In lieu of flowers, please make memorial contributions to St. Munchin Catholic Church or Comfort Care Hospice in care of Poland-Thompson Funeral Home.
Online condolences: www.polandthompson.com
Arrangements by Poland-Thompson Funeral Home, Cameron, MO.
