Carol Marie Buhler was born February 9, 1928 in Pretty Prairie, Reno County, Kansas, the youngest of seven children born to Dr. David and Helen Hansmann Buhler. Her parents died when she was still young, and the family moved to Lawrence, Kansas in 1936, eldest sister Esther taking over the role of caregiver for her younger siblings.

Carol attended the University of Kansas, majoring in advertising and journalism. She was active in several choirs and played both violin and oboe while at KU, as well as joining in two women's fraternities and participating in other student activities. Graduating in 1950, that same year she married George Francis, with whom she had four children: April, Wendy, Jay, and Jon. Francis went back to KU to earn her MS in journalism in 1971.

Francis began her career as advertising manager for Weaver's Department Store in downtown Lawrence, Kansas. She was active in the Lawrence community throughout her life. She was a member of the Lawrence Preservation Alliance for several years, purchasing in 1978 the only building found to survive William Quantrill's 1863 raid of Lawrence, according to her research. Francis wrote two books about this building, The House Building, A Search for Its Foundations and Local Happenings in Lawrence, Kansas 1921-1946. She also compiled Douglas County, Kansas, family histories, 1991-1992 Vol. 1 and wrote newsletters for the Douglas County Historical Society.

Francis remained involved with the Girl Scouts throughout her life, was a member of the Lawrence Aquahawks swim team, and served various capacities in her church, Trinity Episcopal. She won awards for her advertising, writing, and interviewing skills and won medals in swimming in the Senior Olympics. Carol Marie Buhler Francis passed away March 21, 2015 in Lawrence, Kansas.