Carolyn Yvonne Nickerson, 87, of Phoenix, Arizona, formerly of Moberly, passed away peacefully at home, May 11, 2026, surrounded by her loving family and friends.  Mrs. Nickerson was born, August 7, 1938, in Moberly, Missouri to Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Bartee, and was the oldest of two children.  She was a beloved and devoted wife, mother, daughter, and sister.  Her family and friends have profound respect and understanding of the depth of her love, compassion, inner strength, courage, grace, integrity, intellect, and personal faith that defined her extraordinary life. 

Mrs. Nickerson graduated with honors from Buchanan High School in Troy, Missouri, where she excelled both academically and artistically as an accomplished concert pianist, as well as an athlete in track and field sports.  She continued her education at Central Methodist College (now Central Methodist University) in Fayette, Missouri, where she earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Music with Honors. It was at Central Methodist where she met her college sweetheart and future husband, Max Nickerson. The two were crowned Homecoming Queen and King during their senior year and were married on August 6th, 1960, sharing 66 years of a wonderful life together defined by an enduring love and commitment.  Following graduation, she and her husband moved to Phoenix, Arizona, where they pursued their graduate degrees, hers in Education and Teaching and his in Zoology, from Arizona State University in Tempe, Arizona.  It was during this time that their beloved daughter Cheryl was born. 

Throughout her life, Mrs. Nickerson distinguished herself as an intelligent, accomplished and respected businesswoman with remarkable versatility. She became a nationally recognized dealer and appraiser of Victorian antiquities, exhibiting at major antique shows across the country and serving as President of Tea Leaf Club International. Her expertise, integrity, and refined knowledge earned the admiration of colleagues and collectors alike. She supported operations of the popular American restaurant chain, Nickerson Farms, owned and operated by her husband’s family in the 1960’s-1980s.  She also played a critical role in the strategic management and operation of her husband’s zoological gardens in Eldon, Missouri, Max Allen’s Zoological Gardens, which served as a major economic engine for the Lake of the Ozarks Commerce and Tourism for several decades. An avid college football fan her entire life, her favorite teams were the University of Missouri Tigers, Arizona State University Sun Devils, and Tulane University Green Wave. She was also actively involved in her community and never too busy to help someone in need.  After retirement, she and her husband moved to Phoenix to be near their cherished daughter.

Above all else, it was Mrs. Nickerson’s unwavering lifelong devotion to her family that was the most cherished and important accomplishment to her, especially that of an exceptionally loving and devoted wife, mother, sister, daughter, and caregiver for her parents in their later years, as well as the best “pet Mom” to the family’s two labrador retrievers, Riley and Buddy.  She had a graceful elegance and sense of style, along with the extraordinary ability to make those around her feel loved and cherished, and she was a loyal friend. Always looking to help others, she donated most of her antique collections to museums and her favorite charities so that the proceeds might be used to support higher education and learning.

Mrs. Nickerson is survived by her husband, Max Nickerson of Phoenix, Arizona, and daughter, Cheryl Nickerson and her partner, Mark Ott, of Phoenix Arizona, and many dear friends. Memorial services for Mrs. Nickerson will be held in Arizona at the Messinger Funeral Home in Scottsdale on May 20th at 2 pm, and in Missouri at the Cater Funeral Home in Moberly on May 27th at 2 pm.

The family suggests donations to reputable organizations that focus on cutting edge glaucoma research, including the Glaucoma Research Foundation, the Glaucoma Foundation, National Glaucoma Research/Bright Focus Foundation, and the American Glaucoma Society Foundation. 

Words of comfort and support were shared with the family at a visitation held at the Cater Funeral Home Chapel, followed by Funeral services honoring Carolyn’s life. Committal prayer and burial took place at the New Hope Methodist Church Cemetery.