Rooted in Hope: Kay McCorkle’s life of education, enterprise, and enduring love

HOPE — In a town where stories bloom like the arrangements at Hope Floral, Kay McCorkle’s life is a bouquet of dedication, creativity, and community spirit. This fall, she and her husband, Wendell McCorkle, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary, a milestone that reflects not only their personal commitment but a shared legacy of service and entrepreneurship.

Known to generations of students as “Mrs. Mack,” Kay spent 38 years in early childhood education, primarily teaching pre-K and kindergarten in Hope. Her impact extended beyond the classroom, as she taught evening certification classes at UAHT (formerly UCAAH), helping aspiring educators and babysitters meet the 60-hour requirement for professional certification.

A graduate of the University of Central Arkansas, Kay earned her master’s degree in early childhood development during a pivotal time when kindergarten programs were expanding statewide. Her commitment to education is further reflected in her 35-year membership in Delta Kappa Gamma, a national organization for women educators with deep roots in Arkansas since 1935.

But Kay’s story reaches far beyond the school walls. Her entrepreneurial journey began in McNeil, Arkansas, where she operated a classic small-town general store. Over the years, she and Wendell embraced a bi-vocational lifestyle, balancing their roles as educators with a series of creative ventures.

Among their most memorable projects was running a Bed and Breakfast in Washington, Arkansas, located in the town’s historic jailhouse. The building, dating back to 1918, was transformed into a charming inn that preserved its unique architecture and even featured etched names of former inmates on display.

Kay also operated a daycare called Small World, and more recently, the couple managed a bargain bin store like BoxBusters, which opened and closed in Hope in 2024 and offered returned and overstocked merchandise in a treasure-hunt format.

Their most enduring business, Hope Floral, has been a cornerstone of the community for nearly two decades, located on South Main Street.

Kay and Wendell have also remodeled and restored 18 homes, including a unique project combining a 1910 shotgun house with a 1950s structure—a home they lived in twice. Kay describes these remodeling adventures as “defining moments” in her life, filled with challenge and joy.

Faith has been the guiding force behind their marriage, family, and business endeavors. Kay credits the schools in Hope for their dedication to students and applauds the community for its support.

Born to Rufus and Mildred Crawford, missionaries from East Texas, Kay spent part of her youth in Brazil before returning to the U.S. at age 16½. She met Wendell in college and began dating him casually before being interviewed for a teaching position, where he was the principal. She recalls telling him, “Even if we don’t keep dating, I want to know I’ll still have the job.” He reassured her, and the rest is history.

The McCorkle’s are proud parents of two daughters, Elizabeth “Bitsy” Carter and Chrisy Currier, and their family’s musical talents are a gift to local congregations. She participated in the Friday Music Club, which brought classical performances to Hope as early as the 1940s.

Reflecting on 50 years of marriage, Kay says the experience has created a “royal we” in her conversations—a testament to the unity and shared journey she and Wendell have embraced.

From classrooms to flower shops, historic inns to bargain bins, Kay McCorkle’s life is a celebration of community, creativity, and commitment. Her story is a reminder that in Hope, Arkansas, the most beautiful legacies are those rooted in love and service.