Carol Lee Watts Yarbrough, believed to have been an “old soul” by many, departed this earth on Aug. 28, 2015, at 71 years of age in Russellville.

She was born on Nov. 15, 1943, in Danville, Vermillion County, Ill.. She was the daughter of William Henry Watts and Virginia Dell Stinson Watts, who preceded her in death.

She was a devoted daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and great-aunt. She was a lifelong Christian and was a generous woman of strong faith and high moral standards. She helped many people who were in need.

She graduated from Lanphier High School in Springfield, Ill., in 1961. Prior to her marriage she attended flight school in Kansas City, Mo., and was a flight attendant based in Fort Worth, Texas, for several years. After her marriage to Billy A. Yarbrough she attended Arkansas Tech University and had highest honors with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology in 1978. She worked several years for the Department of Human Services in the Child Protection and Foster Care Agency as a licensed social worker. She worked primarily with families of abused children and referred to this job as her most rewarding life experience.

Later she and her husband purchased CM Vending Company of Russellville, and she remained active in the business for several years, during which she received extensive training in company policy, human relations and graphic design. She assisted her husband in many of the company decisions. During her tenure there CM Vending Company employed 150-plus people.

Carol Lee believed in the importance of family heritage. She was an avid genealogist, and through her genealogy websites and expertise she assisted thousands of people in learning more about their family lineages. She was a proud member of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

She also had a great interest in gemology and enjoyed collecting and appraising antique jewelry. She enjoyed music from the 1940’s and was an excellent pianist. She collected many things, including old coins and miniatures and other historical items. She was particularly interested in the study of American history. She enjoyed oil painting. Carol Lee loved all animals and had several cherished pets over the years. She was fortunate to have traveled the world.

She is survived by a son, Brock Allen Yarbrough, of Russellville; a daughter, Laura Yarbrough Gibson Pizarro, of Colorado Springs, Colo., four grandchildren, a sister, Susan Jane Watts Habakuk, a brother-in-law, Richard Habakuk, DDS, of Santa Fe, N.M.; and a sister, Wendy Kaye Watts Schriver of Chatsworth, Calif. Three nieces, three nephews-in-law, great-nieces, great-nephews and several cousins also survive her. Her sisters were a great solace to her in her time of need, taking care of her until the very end.

A private graveside service will take place at Rest Haven Cemetery in Russellville at a later date. Humphrey Funeral Services of Russellville will assist in these arrangements.


Read more: The Courier - Your Messenger for the River Valley - Obituary Carol Yarbrough