Carol Sue (Decocq) Tippen, 77, of Howell, Mich., and Mannheim, Germany, passed away on her birthday, May 26, 2026, surrounded by family. 

She was born May 26,1949 in Wheaton, Mo., the daughter of Olan Leroy Decocq and Mary Rozella Decocq, who preceded her in death.

The family moved to Mich. in1954. She graduated from Kimball High School, Royal Oak, Mich., in 1967. 

Survivors include her brother, Paul L. Decocq (and his wife Amy Lamoreaux), of Howell, Mich., her sister, Janet K. Decocq, of Joplin, Mo., and nieces and nephews Eric and Tara Fleming, Nick Webb, Emily Turner, Alex Webb, Hannah Way, Charles Decator and Briella, Bailey and Blake Weersing . As well as, her “surrogate daughters,” Lara and Nele Sternkopf, of Mannheim, who lovingly accompanied Carol home to Mich.

She served in the United States Army for 22 years, from 1982 until 2004, primarily as a Military Police officer. During her military service, She served first in South Korea and then in Germany for many years, during which time she was also deployed to Bosnia and Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. After retiring from the Army, she was in the civil employment of the military for 10 years, serving in various capacities in the area of Anti-terrorism Force Protection.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, August 1, 2026, at 11:00 am at the White Funeral Home, Cassville, Mo., followed by the burial ceremony at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, Butterfield, Mo.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Legion Devereaux Post 141, 3265 W Grand River Ave., Howell, MI 48855.

Arrangements are under the direction of White Funeral Home and Crematory.