Carol Ann Morrison, 82
A memorial service celebrating the life of Carol Ann Exline Morrison, 82, of Joplin, formerly of Gainesville, was held Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2026, at Mount Hope Church of Christ, 2830 Mount Hope Road in Webb City. After a brief illness, Carol Ann died unexpectedly on Sept. 23, 2026, in the West Freeman Hospital in Joplin, where she had been a longtime volunteer.
She was born Jan. 3, 1944, in St. Louis, the daughter of Bill and Mattelene Graves Exline, who later became longtime Gainesville residents and business owners. Carol Ann married Gary Morrison in Gainesville on Dec. 27, 1959, a few months before her 1960 graduation from Gainesville High School.
The Morrisons lived in Gainesville for several years before moving on to devote much of their married life to ministry, serving as full-time ministers in Crossville, Illinois, and Derby, Kansas, as well as in the Joplin area.
Carol Ann also worked for several years as a dental technician for Dr. Dick Baker.
A gifted artist with a special love for china painting, she delighted in playing cards and games with family and friends—and always played to win. She also cherished quiet moments on her back patio with a good cup of coffee.
Carol Ann was a dedicated, longtime volunteer (2000-2026) with the Freeman Hospital Auxiliary. She served as president of the Missouri Association of Hospital Auxiliaries, president of Freeman Health System’s Auxiliary (2002-2004), and was honored as 2006 Auxilian of the Year by Freeman Health. A longtime member of the 4th & Forest Church of Christ, which later became Mount Hope Churches of Christ, she made her home in the Joplin, Webb City and Carl Junction area for 47 years.
Carol Ann is lovingly remembered by her siblings: Martha Exline Gregory and husband Jack, and George Pannell and wife Anita, all of Mountain Home, Arkansas; her four children: Christye Carpenter and husband Mark of Colorado, Beth Greenfield and husband Wayne of Webb City, Justin Morrison and wife Lauren of Santa Barbara, California, and Eric Morrison of Searcy, Arkansas; her seven grandchildren: Shane, Kyle, Cliff, Alison, Blaine, Alex and Farrar; and her great-grandchildren: Liya, Madilyn, Ellie, Arlo, Beatrice, Olive and Theodore; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends, including several in Ozark County.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her grandson, Treff Carpenter; Gary, her beloved husband of 59 years; her granddaughter, Briann Therrien; and her brother, Sam Exline.
Burial was in the Mount Hope Cemetery in Webb City. Memorial contributions may be made to the Freeman Health System Auxiliary (supportfreeman.com – select “Auxiliary Memorials”), the Darrell Memorial or to Fairhaven Children’s Home. Please contact Mount Hope Church of Christ for donation details.
Arrangements by Mason-Woodard Mortuary and Crematory, Joplin.