Carol York Mcknight

Carol York McKnight of Durham, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on April 18, 2022. She was an adored mother, grandmother, aunt, and friend. Carol was a lifelong member and ordained elder of the Presbyterian Church, and was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church of Durham, NC, until her passing. She is survived by her two daughters, Lynn McKnight (Rochelle Araujo) of Durham, NC, and Lisa McKnight Tipton (Mark Tipton) of Searcy, AR; grandchildren Elizabeth Ann Garcia and Michael McKnight Garcia of Atlanta, GA; sister Marilyn Cross, and nieces Karen Cohen (Michael Cohen), Leslie English (Richard English), and Stacy Maclaskey (Kelly Maclaskey), and her nephews Bryan Evans and Tommy York (Jessica York). She was predeceased by her parents, Judge Leon J. York and Audrey Whitwell York, and brothers Jerry York and Tom York. She was married to John McKnight from 1954 to 1972.

With her quick wit, intelligence, and good humor, along with elegance and a distinct sense of style, she made any occasion more fascinating and more fun. Over the course of her life, she enjoyed traveling, gardening, quilting, reading, listening to classical music, working crossword puzzles (in pen), and word play of any type. Of the many places she traveled, St. George Island, FL, was her special place, where she enjoyed holidays and vacations with her family for three decades. Above all, she loved spending time with her daughters and grandchildren, who were so important to her. She cherished being “Grandmommy” to Liz and Michael and took part in every milestone of their lives, no matter how big or small. Whether wearing signature hats on the beach, crafting unique gifts, creating clever T-shirt sayings, or offering her perspectives on politics and personal matters, she never missed a chance to live her life to the fullest.

Carol was born in Stillwater, OK, on March 29, 1933, and graduated from Stillwater High School in 1951, where she was Pioneer Queen and took pride in being on the cheer squad. Following graduation, she attended Oklahoma A&M for three years and then completed her degree at Memphis State University, where she graduated with a B.A. degree in Sociology in 1955. She later earned a M.S. degree in Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling from the University of Central Arkansas. She had a 26-year career with the Arkansas Department of Human Services as a rehabilitation counselor and in various leadership positions.

During her 16 years in Durham, Carol’s faith and dedication to her church were important to her life. She served as a member of the senior advisory committee, a Sunday morning greeter, and a supporter of the women’s church circle and various charitable activities of the church. In her earlier years at church, she enjoyed singing in choirs, organizing Christmas pageants, and moderating women’s circles. Prior to her move to Durham, she lived in Florida and Arkansas. She was a Kappa Alpha Theta and a member of the General Davie Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. She was a former member of the American Association of University Women and the Junior Auxiliary, and she also served as a hospital volunteer caring for others.

Celebration of life services will be held in the coming weeks at First Presbyterian Church, Durham, NC, and Sunset Memorial Gardens, Stillwater, OK.

Please make memorials to First Presbyterian Church of Durham, Durham, Rescue Mission, Urban Ministries of Durham, or a charity of choice.

The McKnight family is under the care of Hall-Wynne Funeral Service. Online condolences: www.hallwynne.com- select obituaries.