Carolyn Moore McGee, age 89, of Dardanelle, passed away Friday, December 26, 2025, at Dardanelle Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.

Carolyn was born September 17, 1936, in Dardanelle, Arkansas to the late Morris Rutherford Moore, Sr. and Maye Hames Moore. She was a faithful member of First Baptist Church of Dardanelle throughout her life.

Education mattered deeply to Carolyn. She graduated from Arkansas Tech University with a Bachelor of Science in Business Education and later earned a Master's Degree in Library Science/Media. She poured that knowledge back into the students as a teacher at Russellville High School, leaving a mark on countless students and colleagues through her leadership and genuine care.

Carolyn's love for Dardanelle showed in every season of her life, but especially in her years of public service. She served as Mayor of Dardanelle for 23 years (January 1996–2018)—a remarkable span defined by commitment, poise, and a true servant heart. Carolyn loved to serve her community and the citizens of Dardanelle.

She was active in the Chamber of Commerce, was a member of "Mayor and her Posse," and was a longtime member of the Dames Club at ATU. In 2011, she was recognized as Mayor of the Year by the Arkansas Association of Chiefs of Police, and Citizen of the Year (2006 and 2011), honors that reflected her dedication and love for her community.

Carolyn was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Jim Ed McGee; her brother, Morris Rutherford Moore, Jr. and his wife Mary Frances George Moore; her nephew, Gary Morris Moore; and his wife, Teddi Aussicker Moore.

Survivors include her nephews, Kerry George Moore and wife Debbie Wadkins Moore of Dover; great-niece, Marika Moore Lederman and husband Ken B. Lederman of Dover; great-nephews, Nash Moore and wife Ashley Moore of Dover, John Moore and wife Angela Moore of Springdale, and David Moore and wife Diana Moore of Bentonville; great-great-nieces, Everi Lederman, Lauren Moore, and Harper Moore; and great-great-nephew, Griffen Lederman.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, December 30, 2025, at the Carolyn M. McGee Community Center in Dardanelle with Brother Jeff Paxton officiating. Visitation will be held Monday from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Cornwell Funeral Chapel in Dardanelle. A private burial for the family will be at Brearley Cemetery in Dardanelle.

Pallbearers will be Kerry Moore, Ken Lederman, John Moore, Nash Moore, David Moore, Willie Lawhon, and George Jones.

Honorary pallbearers will be Beth Jones; City of Dardanelle Employees; Dardanelle Area Chamber of Commerce Staff; Hospice Home Care of Russellville Employees; and the Dardanelle Nursing and Rehabilitation Staff.

Carolyn's life was one of service, faith, and strength. Dardanelle has lost a leader—but more than that, it has lost a friend. Her legacy will live on in the town she loved and in the people who were better for having known her.