Carrie Thum McKnight's Obituary
Services for Carrie Thum McKnight, 48, will be held at 11:00am on October 23, 2023, at Central United Methodist Church in Rogers, AR. Visitation will precede at 10:00am. Carrie passed away Thursday, October 12, 2023. Born December 31,1974 in Wichita, KS, she was the beloved daughter of Debbie Riegel and Bob Thum and elder sister to her brother Ryan, whom she adored. A 1993 graduate of Eastern Wayne High School in Goldsboro, NC, she went on to earn degrees in political science and management from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1997. While at Chapel Hill, she pledged Alpha Delta Pi sorority and met many lifelong friends.
After beginning her professional life in finance in Atlanta, Carrie answered a call of service, leading her to Washington, DC. She served three years on the staff of then-Congressman John Boozman, shaping policy to better the lives of Arkansans, including helping to establish the Fayetteville VA nursing home. During her Capitol Hill career, she earned a master’s degree in legislative affairs from The George Washington University.
It was during this chapter that Carrie met the love of her life, Cline Wesley McKnight, with whom she was simpatico from the start. The two were synonymous with good times and laughter, usually surrounded by a convening of friends who were known to sneak away from the office early to catch March Madness at one of many Capitol Hill haunts. Once Cline made his way home to Arkansas for law school, Carrie soon followed her best friend to what would become home in her heart for the rest of her days. The two were married in Fayetteville on a magical night complete with gently falling snow in December 2007.
Carrie continued to build an impressive career as a corporate communications executive with several esteemed brands, including Walmart, Sam’s Club, and PWC. She earned a reputation as “one of the most strategic, thoughtful communicators in the game” and as an innovator who pushed boundaries, leading complex projects with ease. She was a valued team player who brought her trademark energy to her work in all cases.
To her friends, Carrie was a vivacious and spirited presence. She had a gift for turning ordinary moments into unforgettable adventures. Her laughter was infectious and her loyalty unwavering. She enriched every life she touched.
Cline and Carrie created a loving family together, and Carrie embraced motherhood as her proudest role. For their two beloved children, Olivia Caroline, 14, and Cowan Wesley, 12, Carrie made their home a place of warmth, laughter, and unconditional love. Her greatest joy was nurturing her children’s dreams and encouraged them to live life to the fullest, as she did. She radiated love and devotion for her children, from the pride she held in Livy’s passion for dance, to her steadfast support of Cowan’s next great discovery – be it Legos, Pokemon, or his passion for history. Her sense of adventure was on full display in her journey through motherhood, embracing the T Swiftie era she and Livy shared. The bold and fierce way she mothered was the true culmination of her time on Earth. She nurtured Livy and Cowan’s faith, with the family attending Fellowship Christian Rogers, and instilled in them the values of hard work, perseverance, and kindness.
Surviving Carrie are her husband, Cline Wesley McKnight; daughter Olivia Caroline McKnight; son Cowan Wesley McKnight, all of Rogers, AR; mother and stepfather, Debbie and Gary Riegel of Lowell, AR; father Bob Thum of San Antonio, TX; father and mother-in-law Bill and Connie McKnight of Rogers, AR; brother Ryan Thum (Sara) and nephews Ryder and River Thum of Virginia Beach, VA; brother-in-law Charles McKnight (Becky) of Cedar Creek, TX; brother-in-law Loren McKnight (Melissa) and nephews Corey and Gabe of Garden Grove, CA; sister-in-law Leah McKnight Rausch (Joe) and nephews Will and Jack of Houston, TX; step-sister Liz Jellison (Matt) of Protection, KS; step-brother Marc Riegel (Dwynne) of Chapman, KS; step-brother Matt Riegel (Casey) of Lawrence, KS and their children.
Although we are not ready to give her to the Lord, we are grateful for the time we had with Carrie. She taught us the joy of friendship and the power of love. Her memory will forever remind us to live boldly and cherish the people we hold dear and the moments that matter. She will be deeply missed but will forever remain in our hearts.
In lieu of flowers, please consider memorials to Samaritan Community Center in Rogers.
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