Carol Jean Curtin Cook

Carol Jean Cook, 84, of Conway, passed away on March 26, 2026. Born to William Thomas Curtin and Betty Louise Collins Curtin on October 22, 1941, Carol spent her early years living throughout Kansas where the family moved for church assignments. Carol was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her brother Michael Thomas Curtin (Leza) of Topeka, Kansas. Daughters Kathleen Brewer of Greenbrier, Arkansas and Karin Taylor of Conway, Arkansas. Grandsons Ross Wintz (Bridget) of Ward, Arkansas and Colby Brewer (Alyssa) of Morrilton, Arkansas. Granddaughter Hannah Taylor of Little Rock, Arkansas. Great grandson Rowan Wintz of Ward, Arkansas. Carol graduated from Wichita High School East with the class of 1959. She attended Wesley Hospital School of Nursing from 1959 to 1962, followed by Wichita Physicians School of Anesthesia from 1964 to 1966. She was part of the inaugural class of the flagship program founded by Dr. Robert Knapp and Dr. Courtney Clark, which later became associated with Wesley Hospital in Wichita. To complete her training, she earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Wichita State University in 1979. Her longest tenure as a CRNA was at Conway County Hospital/St. Anthony’s Hospital in Morrilton, Arkansas. She joined the staff in 1981 and retired in 2000. Never one to slow down, she continued working travel anesthesia positions across Arkansas and several other states. She was especially proud to have shared her talents on more than 15 medical mission trips, serving communities in West Africa, El Salvador, Honduras, and Haiti. She was a dedicated member of the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists beginning in December 1966 and later served as president of the Arkansas Association of Nurse Anesthetists in 2001. Beyond her professional accomplishments, Carol found her greatest joy in her family. She treasured time with her grandchildren and deeply valued her friendship of more than 60 years with Mary Beth O’Neill, spending time together whenever life allowed. She loved trips to Branson and Silver Dollar City, and found happiness working in her yard and tending to her flower beds. Her faithful furry companion, Karl, was always close by her side In her final year, we were deeply grateful for the loving care provided by Ramona Halcrombe and Andrea Lang. Because of them, Carol was able to remain in her home and maintain her independence, surrounded by comfort and familiarity. The visitation will be held from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. Saturday, April 11, at Grace Life Church, with the service following at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Joe Alzate officiating. The burial will be at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to Grace Life Churches, the heart for the house campaign. You can give through the app Tithely.

Carol Jean Curtin Cook

October 22, 1941 - March 26, 2026