Carol Dean “Click” Whitley, 78
of Helena, MT, formerly Brookeville, MD
Born with a servant’s heart, Carol arrived on March 13, 1942 in Birmingham, Alabama to Helen and Lindsey Dean. She graduated Shades Valley High School and attended Auburn University and Montgomery College earning her degree in Business Administration.
Carol’s passion for service began with her journey with the Girl Scouts earning her 50-year pin in 1999. She joined the World Association of Girl Guides and Scouts (WAGGS) while stationed overseas with her husband. Continuing her relationship with scouting as Troop Leader, Cookie Master and Director at Camp Civitan, Brighton Woods in Maryland, Carol committed herself to leading campers to be independent, resilient and successful.
Carol’s membership in the Women’s League of the Hague provided ample opportunities for travel from Australia to Russia and many points in between. As a sculptor, painter and talented photographer, Carol illustrated the world around her as beautiful and bright. Her keen eye and ever-present camera earned her the nickname “Click”.
She enjoyed everything from travel, classic cars, music, literature, the arts and good food
and wine. Guests were warmly welcomed to her home that was filled with cherished memories, including her collection of antique frogs. Her unflappable, enchanting personality and sense of humor endeared her to everyone she met.
Carol’s determination served her well. Her fight with Parkinson’s lasted for over 35 years and ended on January 21, 2021. Her husband of 57 years and love-of-her-life, Howard G. Whitley III, predeceased her as well as her brother Charles Dean. Her legacy continues with daughters Rebecca and Denise, niece Anastasia, grandchildren Jacquie and Michael, and great grandchildren Rose, Lilly, and Iris. Donations can be made to The Michael J. Fox Foundation.
Service Schedule
Family Receiving Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Saturday January 23, 2021
Retz Funeral Home
315 E. 6th Avenue
Helena, MT 59601
Service Schedule
Family Receiving Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Saturday January 23, 2021
Retz Funeral Home
315 E. 6th Avenue
Helena, MT 59601
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Joan Hadro says
Carol’s husband Howard used to say that she never met anyone who didn’t become a friend. I’m so lucky that I had almost 50 years worth of friendship. Carol made a huge impact on my daughter’s life and on mine. I’m forever grateful for her. She was a triple threat…smart, fearless, and a force to be reckoned with. Job well done Carol Dean. I love you!
Kara Cooper says
Carol was a wonderful person, who always treated me as family. She was well loved and she will be missed. My condolences go out to Becky, Denise and the rest of the family. Praying for peace for you.
Karen says
The most important lesson I learned from”Mama” Carol, is that you don’t have to related by mere DNA to be FAMILY. She would invite me to dinner whenever she was making Korean chicken because she knew it was my favorite. I spent many a Christmas morning with the Whitley family. She worked tirelessly with the Girl Scout camp at Briton Woods every summer and even gave my first job there. She became a mom to me when I lost my own. Her kindness and support touched me more then words can say! Love you and miss you! Rest well in heaven and I know you’ll still be watching out for us.
Lorri Mullen says
Denise & Becky, What a lovely tribute to your mother. I was blessed to have had the chance to know your mother these last few years. She was a fighter with a sweet sense of humor. God bless.