Carol Brinkopf

Carol E. Goldsmith Brinkopf passed away peacefully Friday, Feb. 23, 2024, on her family farm in Jackson.

She was born Dec. 4, 1943, to Major Bryan and Mary B. Franz. She married Louis Campbell Brinkopf on Nov. 29, 2010, and he preceded her in death Oct. 26, 2017.

Carol lived an interesting life growing up in Paragould, Arkansas, and Southern Missouri. She enjoyed careers as a stewardess for American Airlines, a journalist as city editor for the Delta Dunklin Democrat and later as a congressional aide to Bill and Jo Ann Emerson.

She had a passion for antiques sales and hunting for old manuscripts of cookbooks and historical writings. She loved to travel, and in her later years helped her family research places they were going and lived vicariously in these trips.

Carol is survived by a sister, Cathy Adkins; niece, Lauren Adkins; nephew, Stephen Adkins of Brooksville, Florida; sister-in-law, Anne M. Brinkopf of Chicago; brother-in-Law, Paul W. Brinkopf (Clotilda A. Harrison-Brinkopf) of Bonita Springs, Florida; nephew, Benjamin L. (Radhika) Brinkopf of Dallas; and niece, Mary M. Brinkopf of Los Angeles. Also surviving are grandnephews, Aiden A. and Arnav A. Brinkopf of Dallas.

The family is grateful for Carol’s good friend, Jackie Ludwig, who spent a great amount of time traveling to local events and historical sites in Southeast Missouri; to long-time doctor and friend, Michael Freeman; to Denise Egbuka and Comfort Keepers, who cared for her the past few months; and to Julie Gibson and Crown Hospice for giving her comfort in her final days.

A private burial service at Cape County Memorial Park Cemetery will be held at a later date.

Memorials may be made to Southeast Missouri Pets (formerly the Humane Society), 180 Weston St., Cape Girardeau, MO 63701.

Photo is courtesy of Radhika Brinkopf.

Ford and Sons Funeral Home in Cape Girardeau is in charge of arrangements.

Online condolences may be sent at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.