Carol Denise Winchester, 68, of Marked Tree, Arkansas, passed away April 18, 2026, at Baptist Memorial Hospital-Crittenden in West Memphis, Arkansas.

She was born on July 5, 1957, in Piggott, Arkansas, to Carl Albert and Peggy Joyce (Smith) Winchester. Carol loved growing up in St. Francis, Arkansas, and graduated from Piggott High School in 1975, where she dearly loved her classmates and maintained many lifelong friendships.

Carol continued her education at Arkansas State University, where she earned both her Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Education, specializing in Special Education.

She dedicated her life to serving others through her work as a special education teacher, beginning her career in Bernie, Missouri, and continuing in Marked Tree, Parkin, and Trumann, Arkansas. Carol loved her students and their families deeply, often going beyond the classroom to help parents secure needed social services for their children. Her work was more than a profession-it was a calling, and her influence will be felt for generations.

A resident of Marked Tree for over 40 years, Carol made many lifelong friends and was known for her constant smile and kind words about everyone she met. She treasured her friendships, especially her "Girls Night Out" group, and was a faithful member of Marked Tree Methodist Church.

Carol she poured her life into her family, her students, her church, and her friends.

She was preceded in death by her father, Carl Albert Winchester; her mother, Peggy Joyce Winchester; and an infant brother.

Carol is survived by her sister, Suzy Winchester Smith; Mike Holland; her cousins, Anne Winchester, Kelly Lane, Bryan McGruder, and Sean McGruder; and many other relatives and friends.

Memorial service will be held Friday, May 1, 2026 at Marked Tree Methodist Church in Marked Tree with Pastor Charlotte Knox officiating (time to be determined).

Graveside service will be held Saturday, May 2, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Hall Cemetery in St. Francis, Arkansas.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to Marked Tree Methodist Church, 304 Frisco Street, Marked Tree, Arkansas 72365.