Carol Ann Atkinson, 72, of Warrensburg, MO, passed away Monday, December 22, 2025, at her home.

She was born November 26, 1953, in Lawrence, KS, the daughter of Ed and Edna Mills. Carol graduated from Lawrence High School, and studied English and journalism at the University of Kansas, where she earned both her bachelor's and master's degrees. She earned her Doctor of Philosophy degree in journalism from Bowling Green State University.

Following graduation from KU, Carol served several years as a journalist for The Daily Star-Journal in Warrensburg. During her time at the DSJ, she met her future husband, Lou Atkinson. The couple was united in marriage November 28, 1992, at the Central Missouri State University Alumni Memorial Chapel.

Following her work as a newspaper journalist, Carol was hired as an instructor in the Department of Mass Communication at CMSU (now the University of Central Missouri). She rose through the faculty ranks, and retired from the university as a professor of journalism. During her long tenure on campus, she cared deeply for her students and spent several years as faculty advisor to The Muleskinner student newspaper and also as director of Women's Studies.

Carol enjoyed antiquing, relishing the outdoors, and appreciating the birds and other wildlife that surrounded her home. In 2012, Carol's love for all things vintage led her and her husband to become co-owners and operators of The Station@Smithton antiques store in Smithton, MO.

Carol is survived by her husband, Lou Atkinson; a brother, Larry Mills; and two cousins, Paul Edwin Venneburg and Bill Osterhaus.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

A visitation will be held from 5 until 7 p.m. Monday, December 29, 2025, at Sweeney-Phillips & Holdren Funeral Home.

Private burial will take place in Oak Hill Cemetery in Lawrence at a later date.

Memorial contributions are suggested to Doctors Without Borders, which can be left in care of Sweeney-Phillips & Holdren Funeral Home.