Clarice Jean (Springer) Carnes, 90, of Springfield, Missouri, passed away on November 18, 2024, at The Neighborhoods at Quail Creek. Clarice was born on April 8, 1934, to Ollen Springer and Opal Gail Springer in Wyaconda, Missouri.

Clarice graduated as Valedictorian at Wyaconda High school in 1952.  She went on to attend Northeast Missouri State Teachers College (Truman State University) in Kirksville, Missouri.  While in Kirksville, she met her husband, William (Bill) Carnes, who was a member of the United States Air Force stationed at Kirksville Air Force Station.  Bill and Clarice were united in marriage on November 26, 1953 in Wyaconda.   They shared 60 wonderful years together until Bill’s passing in October, 2013.  The couple was blessed with 5 children.

Clarice was a homemaker for many years, and loved caring for her family and home.  She also held jobs with Missouri Extension and as a paraprofessional with the Springfield Public Schools.  Clarice was creative and had many interests, including sewing.  She made many garments for her children and grandchildren, including wedding dresses for each of her daughters.  Clarice cross stitched quilts and made stuffed animals for the Operation Christmas Child boxes she packed each year.

Clarice and Bill enjoyed camping in their travel trailer and journeying to spend time with family and friends in Branson, Missouri and Texas.

In her later years, Clarice enjoyed puzzles and was an avid mall-walker.  Throughout her life, she was known for letter writing.  Family members and friends always looked forward to birthday cards with handwritten letters enclosed.  Clarice was also faithful in visiting her mother every day in her mother’s last years until her passing.

Clarice was a woman of faith.  Throughout her life she maintained a sweet and simple demeanor shown through her constant smile and laughter.  She was a long-time member of Second Baptist Church of Springfield and attended each Sunday followed by lunch at Steak and Shake with friends.    Possessing a true servant’s heart, Clarice served as the Lydia Faith Sunday School Class director until her 85th year.  She volunteered weekly at Grand Oaks Mission, sang in the Senior Second Act Choir, and helped provide meals for the Victory Mission.  If there was a need, she always volunteered to help at the church.

Clarice was preceded in death by her husband, William (Bill) Carnes; parents Ollen Springer and Opal Gail Springer Van De Mark; stepfather, Rev. Lynn Van De Mark; brother, Charles Springer; and grandson, Kevin Reed.

She is survived by her children, Dianne (Terry) Carlstrom; Debra (Matt) Billingsley; Danna (Randy) Reed; Bill (Dana) Carnes; Jim Carnes; grandchildren, Emily Shook, Andrew (Elizabeth Hasson) Carlstrom, Megan Stout, Wesley (Katie Ebersole) Reed, Alexander Carnes, Christopher Carnes, and Brett Carnes; and great grandchildren, Chloe Carlstrom, Ashlynn Stout, Camden Shook, and Aubrey Shook; along with other family members.

A funeral service for Clarice will be held on Saturday, November 23, 2024, at 11:00 AM at Greenlawn Funeral Home East with a burial at Missouri Veterans Cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations in Clarice’s memory to Grand Oaks Mission, care of the Greene County Baptist Association  https://gbaptist.org/grand-oak and Safe to Sleep Overnight Women’s Shelter, Springfield, MO  https://ccozarks.org/programs/safe-to-sleep/.