Dr. Carole A. Pinckney, 74 of Avenue, MD passed away Friday, March 22, 2013 at her home surrounded by her loving family.

Carole was originally from West Lanham, MD, born March 18, 1939 at Sibley Hospital in Washington, DC. Carole was the oldest daughter of the late Carroll T. and LaVerne B. (Salmon) Arnold.

Carole moved to Southern MD in 1973 with her adoring husband, Gary, and two beautiful daughters, Catherine and Elizabeth. Her career and love of the public health brought her to St. Mary's County to work as Director of Health Services at the Health Department in Leonardtown for nearly 20 years. Because of her love for children, she continued her pursuit of health care and began working for the Board of Education in School Health Services in Prince George's County. Carole held the title of Supervisor of Health Services from 1992 until she retired in 2008.

Carole graduated from the University of Maryland in 1962 with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. She then continued her education completing her Master's Degree in Health Service Administration from Johns Hopkins University in 1979. Finally, Carole received her Doctorate of Philosophy from George Mason University in 1997.

Carole was also presented with several prestigious awards. In 1987 she was inducted into Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing as a member of Epsilon Zeta of George Mason University in Fairfax, VA. In May 1984, she was recognized by Governor Harry Hughes as a member of the Regional Institute for Children and Adolescents of Prince George's County. In 1989 she was presented a certificate of recognition for her contribution as an Intern of the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. In 1996 Carole was awarded the School Nurse Administrator of the Year by the Maryland Association of Student Health Nurses (MASHN). From 1997-1998 she was the President of MASHN. Governor Parris Glendening appointed and commissioned Carole as a member of the State Board of Nursing from 1998 to 2002. In 1999 the Maryland State Department of Education awarded Carole a Certificate of Appreciation for her preparation and participation in the Pupil Services Program Review.

Carole is survived by her loving husband, Gary; two daughters, Catherine Morgan (Alfred) and Elizabeth Lorah; five grandchildren, MaryBeth Arndt (Keith), Megan Tawes (Ben), Gregory Morgan, Colin Lorah, and Olivia Lorah; and two great-grandchildren, Mason Bussler and Issac Tawes. She is also survived by her sister, Lynn Peterson Norfolk of Aiken, SC.

Carole's life work was nurturing others and spending time with her family. She also loved to read romance and mystery novels. She enjoyed needlework, cooking, cross-stitching and caring for any stray animal that would find their way onto her doorstep. She loved her Santa pictures and figurines.

A Life Celebration Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, March 30, 2013 at 2:00 p.m. at the Brinsfield Funeral Home, 22955 Hollywood Road, Leonardtown, MD 20650. Interment will be private.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of St. Mary's, P.O. Box 625, Leonardtown, MD 20650.

Arrangements by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A., Leonardtown, MD.