Carol was born on October 28, 1938, to Tom Brown (TB) and Clara Belle (Bybee) Prettyman in Harrisonville, MO, and remained a lifelong resident. She graduated from Harrisonville High School with the Class of 1956, and later achieved her Bachelor's degree in Nursing from the University of Missouri, graduating in 1960.
Carol dedicated her life to serving others. Her greatest joy came from working at Cass County Memorial Hospital in Harrisonville as the nurse supervisor of obstetrics. She assisted in the delivery of a multitude of local children. She was well known for her care and concern and outstanding bedside manner of her patients. After retirement from the hospital, she went on to work as an R.N. for several local physicians, including Dr Price. Carol also continued her desire to care for those in need through working at many local nursing homes. To Carol caring for people at any stage of life was not a job but an honor.
Carol’s other passion was her family’s colorful and prominent history and the preservation of the home that they built, and she lived in until departing. Her family’s legacy dates back to the Revolutionary War and her grandfather Brown fighting alongside Andrew Jackson and their lifelong friendship. Their friendship continued well passed him becoming president. Cole Younger was also a close family friend and frequent visitor of her home. Carol was quite proud of the fact her home was one of the only ones not burnt during Order Number 11. This was due to the political prominence of her ancestors.
Outside of her professional accomplishments, Carol was a lifelong member of the Harrisonville United Methodist Church, past Worthy Matron of Bayard Chapter #179 Order of the Eastern Star, and member of DAR. She was a cherished member of our community.
Carol was preceded in death by her parents, T.B. and Clara Belle Prettyman; and two brothers: Sam and Robert Prettyman. She is survived by her daughter, Teresa Bilderback, of Harrisonville, MO; her son, Thomas Hipple, of Harrisonville, MO; two grandchildren: Clinton and Cole Hipple, also of Harrisonville, MO; and all those who had the privilege of knowing her.
