Carol Lynn (King) Cunningham received her complete healing on May 26, 2025, surrounded by her family. She was born on April 21, 1951, in Harrison, Arkansas to Forest Eldon King and Anna Lee (Craycraft) King. She graduated from Pyatt High School in Pyatt, Arkansas in 1969. Carol earned three degrees in higher education from: Ozark Bible College in Joplin, MO; a Bachelor's in Elementary Education from Evangel University; and a Master's in Education from MSU. Carol married the love of her life, soulmate, honey man and best friend Carl Cunningham on July 29, 1972.

Carol is survived by her husband of almost 53 years, Carl; two daughters, Jennifer Jenkins and husband Mark of Ozark, MO and Rebekah Rose and husband Scott of Springfield, MO. She was so proud of and loved her three grandchildren, Madelyn Jenkins, Samuel Rose and Luke Jenkins. She is also survived by her sisters whom she loved so much: Christie Weidman (Bill) of Bull Shoals, AR; Terri Morales of Yellville, AR; and Nancy Valentini (Alton) of Highland, MI; and by her precious Bestie, Celestine Ellison (Ron) of Nixa, MO as well as a large host of extended family and friends all whom she loved dearly. Carol was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, John Forest King.

Carol loved the Lord her God with all her heart, soul and strength. She faithfully served Him her whole life and wanted everyone to know Him. She loved her family fiercely, especially her husband, children and grandchildren. They were always her number one priority. Carol was an amazing cook, especially her fried chicken and biscuits and gravy. She loved hosting friends and family. She loved horses. She loved singing. She loved the Buffalo River. She loved helping others.

Carol was a lifelong educator of children, 49 years to be exact. She began her career with the Head Start program in 1971, worked at Candy Cane Preschool in Joplin for 12 years then began her public school teaching career in Springfield in 1987 mostly teaching 2nd grade, all while raising two children. Carol retired from SPS in 2012 then taught Pre-K at James River Preschool for eight years finally retiring from teaching in 2020.

After a very challenging 8-month battle with Advanced Alzheimer's and a very long 3 years and 3 months dealing with the after effects from a massive hemorrhagic stroke, her earthly body finally failed her but she has graduated to Heaven where she will spend eternity praising her Savior.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at River Bluff Fellowship, 2655 E. Farm Road 188, Ozark, MO 65721, on Saturday, June 28, 2025 at 10 am. In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to Cox Health at Home Hospice Fund, PO Box 8131, Springfield, MO 65801, in her memory. The family would like to express special gratitude to Pastor Michael, Heather, Gracie and Emily with Cox Hospice for giving such special care to Carol and her family.