Carol Jean Handley Claxton was born July 15, 1947, in Springfield, Missouri.  She departed this life on Saturday, September 8, 2018.  Carol is survived by her children, Anne Stever (Doug) and Steve Liebeck, Jr, (Toni), by her companion of almost 20 years, Bruce Edwards, and by her brothers James Handley and Robert Handley.  Anne's two children, Keith and Jake, and Steve's four children, Catie, Kimi, Kristian and Hank, will greatly miss their Nani.  Carol attended the University of Missouri, before taking time out to marry and begin her family.  She returned to college to obtain a BS degree from SMS, and certification as a Certified Public Accountant, the profession she practiced until her well-earned retirement.  Carol's greatest passion above all others was family and friends.  She maintained close bonds with childhood classmates and friends, celebrating monthly lunches and dinners; she was the guiding light and inspiration of the Que Sera Sera sisterhood (you know who you are).  Carol lived with unquenchable joi de vivre, could turn a flat tire in the rain into fun, and a rainy float-trip into adventure.  A private discipline, known to only a few, was her long daily prayer list for others.  She departed this life with grace and courage, surrounded by family, prayers, and love.  By her example, she will remain a continuing inspiration for her children, grandchildren, and all who knew her, forever.  A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, September 15, 2018 at 4:00 pm at Unity Spiritual Center, 3233 S. Kauffman Road, Springfield, Missouri 65807, under the care of Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home.