Carole Whitaker Burns, 88, passed away peacefully on June 6, 2025, surrounded by her loving family, leaving behind a legacy of faith, strength, and unshakable love.

Born on January 25, 1937, raised in Wilson, Arkansas, Carole lived a life rooted in purpose and joy. She was a devoted member of First Baptist Church of Malvern, where her faith guided her words, actions, and the way she loved others.

Carole was crowned Homecoming Queen at the University of Arkansas in 1957—a reflection not only of her beauty, but the grace, confidence, and kindness she carried with her all her life. A proud Razorback fan through and through, she cheered loud for her Hogs - loudest for number 85, Olan Burns.

Carole proudly served as the County Clerk of Hot Springs County for 22 years, where she cared for and was loved on by the community.

To know Carole was to know her family. She was proceeded in death by her parents, Lou and JH (Whit) Whitaker, her sister Cathy Whitaker Cox and her beloved, Olan Burns. She is survived by and the proud and loving mother of three children: Pam Thomas (Thorp), DeAnn Stokes (Gallen), and Jim Burns. She was grandmother to three adoring grandchildren: Blair Thomas (Austin), Brandon Stokes (Hannah), and Taylor Stokes. Her family was her world, and she poured into them the lessons of how to love well, laugh freely, and go boldly after life.

Though we grieve her absence, we rejoice in the incredible life she lived and the countless ways she made ours better. Her legacy lives on in the love she gave, the faith she shared, and the lives she touched. We will carry her with us, always.

A Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday, June 18th at 3pm at Regency Funeral Home, with a short visitation to follow. Bro. Brandon Stokes will be officiating.

Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer's Association. https://act.alz.org/site/TR?fr_id=18417&pg=personal&px=10858971