Carole Berniece Stoops

Carole Berniece Stoops, 84, passed away in her Oak Ridge, Tennessee home on October 22, 2026. She was born on January 18, 1942, in Wichita, Kansas to Joseph and Berniece (Payton) McAllister. Carole was a graduate of Anderson High School in 1959.

Carole was united in marriage to Robert (Bob) Stoops on March 1, 1963. Their lifelong love and commitment shared as soulmates has grown deeper with each passing year. Bob and Carole raised four children together in Kokomo, Indiana. After various moves across the country following Bob's career, they eventually settled in Southern California and lived there for over 30 years. In 2021 they moved to Oak Ridge, Tennessee to be closer to family.

No matter where they lived, Carole was always an active church member in her community. Faith was an especially important part of her life. She was an avid reader, enjoyed square dancing, taking photos, playing Euchre, and participating in arts and crafts activities. Carole loved the adventure of travel and was happiest when she was behind the wheel with the open road ahead of her. She and Bob drove across the country multiple times, taking different routes to explore new areas. Hobbies and daily pleasures made her smile, but spending time with her family is what really made her heart shine.

Carole will be deeply missed by her husband of over 63 years, Bob Stoops. Other surviving family members include her children, Kima (Jackie) Zirkle of Oak Ridge, Tennessee; Rob (Troy Anne) Stoops of Janesville, Wisconsin, and Carole Michelle Stoops of Las Vegas, Nevada. Carole has six grandchildren: Bethany (Gilbert) Foster, Candace (Steve) Petrie, Christine Inmon, Hannah (Ryan) Gerharz, Evynyn (Walker) Schultz and Harrison (Rebecca) Ellis. She is also survived by great grandchildren and other special members of her extended family.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph, and Bernice McAllister; her siblings Ellie Harber, Archie McAllister, and Joe McAllister. She was also preceded in death by an adult daughter, Lucretia Stoops.

A funeral service will be held at 1:00 PM on Friday, October 30, 2026, at Bozell Funeral Homes & Crematory, Brown-Butz-Diedring Chapel located at 515 E 53RD St., Anderson, Indiana 46013 with Pastor Corinne Boruff officiating. Burial will follow at Anderson Memorial Park Cemetery.In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the First United Methodist Church located at 1350 Oak Ridge Turnpike, Oak Ridge, Tennessee 37830.Online condolences may be shared at www.bozellfuneralhomes.com.