Carolyn Mae (Cochran) Atkinson

Monday, February 21, 2022

Carolyn Mae (Cochran) Atkinson, 85, of Leachville, passed from this life Saturday, Feb. 19, 2022, in Melbourne. Carolyn was born in Union on Oct. 24, 1936, to Ralph L. Cochran and Emma Mae (Humphries) Cochran.

Carolyn was united in marriage to Ben Atkinson and the couple enjoyed 56 years together. Carolyn worked as a home economics teacher for many years and was very active in many activities. Carolyn was a member of the University of Central Arkansas Alumni 50-year club, a member of the Craighead County Genealogical Society, a member of the United Daughters of Confederacy, and a member of the Daughters of American Revolution-Arkansas Society. Carolyn was a former state officer in the Arkansas State Society Daughters of American Revolution, was a member of the retired teacher society, past Mississippi County Extension Agent for Home Economics, and proudly supported the Sons of the American Revolution and their grave marking events. Carolyn enjoyed amateur photography, doing cross-stitch, and family genealogy for her own family and assisting others in their research brought her great joy. Carolyn was a member of the Izard, Fulton, and Sharp County Historical Societies, a member of the Leachville Extension Homemaker Club, and was the Little Red School House coordinator for Arkansas Daughters of American Revolution which provided assistance to various DAR schools. Carolyn was a major supporter of education as she was the first in her family to graduate from college and she gave time and monetary contributions to those seeking education. Carolyn was a loving daughter, sister, wife, mother, friend, and was a member of the United Methodist Church in Leachville.

Carolyn leaves to mourn her passing two nephews, David Cochran and wife Sheila of Salem and James Cochran of Salem; several great-nieces and nephews; close friend and Daughter of American Revolution sister (Elizabeth Cooper Daigle); caregiver, Crystal Hampton; many other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband (Ben Atkinson); son (Adam Atkinson); parents, (Ralph and Emma Cochran); and brother (Sam Cochran).

Graveside services will be 2 p.m. Thursday, March 3, at the Union Cemetery in Union with Bro. John Hodges officiating. Memorials may be made to Union Cemetery Association. Arrangements are under the direction of Barker Funeral Home LLC of Salem. Guests may sign an online registry at www.barkerfuneral.com.