Carolyn (Carrie) Jo Poole Henry, age 79, of East Prairie, died Thursday, December 7, 2023, in Ellisville, Missouri.

She was born October 21, 1944, daughter of Geraldine Poole.

Carolyn married Charles Forrest Henry in 1959 and completed her Licensed Practical Nurse training in 1965 before they moved to Valley Park, Missouri. She worked as a nurse in several St. Louis area hospitals before returning to East Prairie in 1977. Carolyn worked at Ferguson Medical Group in Sikeston, Missouri for more than 25 years.

Carolyn was passionate about advocating for the rights of disabled persons. She served on the Regional Council and volunteered on committees to advance Senate Bill 40 (SB40) legislation that supports sheltered workshops, residence facilities, and/or related services for the care or employment of persons with developmental disabilities.

In retirement, Carolyn volunteered as a water aerobics instructor at the YMCA in Sikeston. She enjoyed working in her vegetable garden and pecan orchard. Spoiling her rescued dogs Little Bear and Sweetie was a favorite pastime.

Carolyn was devoted to her Baptist faith.

Survivors include her husband, Charles Henry, daughter, Marcia Lynn (Gary) Dunn, a grandson Graham Neil Dunn, a granddaughter Chelsea Lynn Dunn, and a great granddaughter London Marie Dunn, all of St. Louis. Surviving siblings include two brothers Dallas Hinshaw and Shelby (Fran) Jones of Sikeston, and her sister Sheila Abner of Atlanta, Georgia.

She was preceded in death by three children: Deborah Kay Henry, Marcus Landon Henry,
and Steven Forrest Henry. Also preceding her in death were her mother, Geraldine Poole
Abner, and brothers John Henshaw and Travis Poole.

Visitation will be from 10:00 AM until the funeral hour at 11:00 AM Wednesday, December 13, 2023, at McMikle Funeral Home in Charleston. Martin Lucas will officiate.

Interment will follow in the Dogwood Cemetery under the direction of McMikle Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Columbus Care Center, PO Box 503, Sikeston, Missouri, 63801