Carolyn Ruth (Jackson) Austin, 79, of Paragould, Ark., died Monday, March 16, 2026, at CHI St. Vincent's North in Sherwood, Ark., from complications following a stroke. She was born in Paragould on December 16, 1946, to Ralph and Edith Jackson. She graduated from Crowley's Ridge Academy in 1964 and married Larrell Austin on November 13 of that year.

Through the years, Carolyn worked for the Paragould Police Department, Crowley's Ridge Academy, Arkansas Methodist Medical Center, and the medical practice of Dr. George Hobby. As a wife, mother, "Nan," sister, daughter, neighbor, and an active member of the Church of Christ, Carolyn poured herself into caring for others despite the numerous health problems that befell her over the years.

Carolyn was preceded in death by her parents; and by siblings Shirley (Jackson) Redwine, Betty (Jackson) Yearry, and Ray Jackson.

She is survived by her husband, Larrell; sons and daughters-in-law Todd and Mandy Austin, Trent Austin, and Terry and Torre Austin; grandchildren Abby Austin, Jonathan and Katie Austin, Michael Austin, Beth Austin, Bennett Austin, Simon Austin, Hayden Austin, and Caroline Austin; great-granddaughter Jovie Newsom; and a host of extended family.

The family would like to express gratitude to all who provided exceptional care to Carolyn in her final days, including the Baptist Paragould emergency department; the Air Evac flight crew; and the emergency, intensive care, and neuro teams at CHI St. Vincent's North.

Visitation will be from 10:00-11:30am on Friday, March 20, at Phillips Funeral Home in Paragould. A graveside service will follow at Pine Knot Cemetery. Larry McFadden will officiate.

Carolyn’s grandchildren will serve as pallbearers.

Lasting memorials may be made to Crowley’s Ridge Academy, Crowley’s Ridge College, or a charity of your choice.