Carol Stiles White of Manchester passed away on Friday, September 13, 2024 at age 88. Carol was a beloved teacher at Manchester Junior High School for over 30 years, providing wisdom and instruction in math, science, and most importantly, life skills to students across multiple generations.
Carol was born to W.G. “Punch” and Freda (Gray) Stiles at their home on 7th Street in Manchester, on August 17, 1936, a few months before the epic flood of 1937. She died at her home on the same block 88 years later. However, life took Carol far beyond southern Ohio. She chose a path rich in adventures and embraced the diversity of people and cultures she encountered around the world.
After graduating from Manchester High School in 1954, Carol attended Miami University. While home from college during her freshman year, she met Bennie Lee White, a recent graduate of Ohio State who was preparing to join the army. They married a year later, followed by Ben’s immediate deployment to the US Army Garrison in Bamburg, Germany. Carol, at the age of 20, joined her husband in Germany, experiencing post-war Europe through extensive travel and study. Their two years in Bavaria set the stage for a marriage partnership filled with curiosity about other cultures and world travel that lasted almost 65 years, until Ben’s death in 2021.
In addition to her long tenure as an educator, Carol was an active member of the Manchester community. A fierce advocate for literacy, she served as president of the Adams County Library Board for many years, playing a key role in the design, management and fundraising to construct new library facilities in Manchester and throughout Adams County. As a businesswoman, she, Ben, and a group of friends purchased Moyer Winery in 1997, operating it successfully for over 20 years. Further, Carol served in many leadership roles in the Manchester Methodist Church and other local civic organizations.
Carol was known for her generous and gracious hospitality. She opened her home to host holiday dinners, class reunions, funeral gatherings and even a friend’s wedding. She and Ben supported the youth of the community and when necessary, created a safe refuge for those in need.
Carol’s greatest joy, by far, was her family. Upon learning that her daughters Beth and Laura were both expecting in the fall of 1992, Carol retired from teaching and embraced a new career as grandmother. From the moment each of her eight grandchildren were born, “Grandma” was always there, as a mentor, counselor and cheerleader. Her candor, strength, sharp intellect and unwavering support helped to mold eight young people into independent and curious adults.
As a grandmother, mother, teacher and businesswoman, Carol was a champion for women, instilling in her daughters and granddaughters a worldview without boundaries.
In addition to her husband and parents, Carol was predeceased by a brother, Martin Stiles. She is survived by two daughters, Beth (Steve) Murray of Swarthmore, Pennsylvania and Laura (Burgin) Dossett of Nashville; along with eight grandchildren, Ben Murray, Nashville; Margaret Romanczuk (Tom), Austin, Texas; Frances Murray, Philadelphia; Ted Murray, Oslo, Norway; Bo Dossett (fiancee Rhys Burns), Marshall, North Carolina; William (Daisie) Dossett, Dakar, Senegal; Elizabeth Dossett, Brooklyn, New York; and Olivia Dossett, Brooklyn, New York.
A memorial service will take place at Manchester Community Church (formerly the United Methodist Church), 405 E. 8th St., Manchester, on Saturday, September 21, at noon. Visitation will be the same day from 10 a.m. – noon. Burial will follow at the Manchester Cemetery. Arrangements are entrusted to the Wilson Funeral Home in Manchester.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Hospice of Hope in Maysville.
Please sign her online tribute wall at www.meekerfuneralhomes.com.
