Carol Ann Young

On April 19, 1950, in Little Rock, Arkansas, the world welcomed Carol Ann Young (Hinkson). On May 5, 2026, her story came to a close here on earth, but her love and spirit remain deeply woven into the lives of everyone who knew her.

Carol was the definition of strength. She faced both emotional and physical challenges with a quiet dignity, never giving up, and always finding ways to keep moving forward. She was a fighter, not just for herself, but for the people she loved most—her family. Because of her, her children and grandchildren know what true love and resilience looks like and how it should be lived out every day.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Sam Young, and her granddaughter, Sierra Berry. Left to carry on her memory are her children, Shana Young and David Parkman; her grandchildren, Eliza and Prudence Parkman; her brother, John Hinkson; and a large circle of extended family and friends who were blessed by her life.

Carol filled her home with music. She loved all genres, and whether at church, in the car, or standing in her kitchen, she could often be heard humming or belting out a favorite tune. Singing brought her joy, and that joy spilled over to the people around her. Books and movies were her other great loves, and she passed down her love of stories—whether on the page or the screen—to her children. Time spent at the movies with Mom became treasured core memories that will never fade.

She was endlessly curious, with a mind that always wanted to know more. As a little girl, she took toys apart just to see how they worked. As an adult, she immersed herself in mysteries, trivia, and the endless wonder of the world. She could rattle off entertainment trivia and historical facts with encyclopedic precision, and she loved sharing that knowledge with her family.

Carol worked hard her whole life—both in her career at AT&T and in the home she built with her family. She was the kind of person who always showed up early, always made sure things got done, and always sacrificed for the good of those around her. She loved adventure, whether riding along on her husband’s impromptu road trips or joining her daughter on her mission to see as many states as possible.

But for all her adventures, Carol found her greatest happiness in the simplest things: her books, her music, her animals, and most of all, her family. She was a doting wife, mother, and grandmother who encouraged every dream and supported every endeavor.

A graveside service will be held at [date/time to be announced] at Sumner Cemetery in Cabot, Arkansas.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Central Arkansas Library System—reflecting Carol’s lifelong devotion to reading—or to the Pulaski County Humane Society, honoring her deep affection for animals.

Carol lived a life of strength, selflessness, curiosity, and joy. To know her was to be loved by her, and her legacy will live on in the hearts of all who were lucky enough to share her journey.