Audrey Lee (Wilson) Curnutt, daughter of the late Louis Ralph Dunkel and Violet Roberta (Sollars) Wilson, was born on August 31, 1942, in Poplar Bluff, Missouri, and departed this life on June 28, 2026, at Glenwood Healthcare in Seymour, Missouri, at the age of 84 years, 9 months, and 28 days.
Audrey grew up in Poplar Bluff, Missouri, and graduated from Poplar Bluff High School. Following her graduation, she attended the School of the Ozarks, where she earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Education. She later attended Drury University, earning her Master’s Degree, and subsequently pursued a Doctorate in Education. A devoted educator, Audrey even authored and published a mathematics textbook. Over her distinguished 32-year career, she impacted countless lives across several schools before ultimately retiring from Brennan Woods Elementary School in Fenton, Missouri.
In 1965, a twist of fate changed Audrey’s life forever. On a cold, rainy night in Kansas City, a man named Billy Curnutt called her residence looking for a ride from one of her roommates. As the only one home at the time, Audrey answered the phone—a single chance conversation that sparked a lifelong partnership. On February 5, 1966, Audrey and Billy Ray Curnutt were united in marriage, and to this union two children were born. Together, they shared sixty years of devotion, building a beautiful life.
Audrey was a woman of deep faith, boundless adventure, and an undeniable love for life. For nearly eleven years of her early retirement, she embraced the open road, serving as the ultimate co-pilot and navigator alongside her beloved husband, Bill. Together, they lived full-time in their RV, exploring the country and creating a lifetime of memories until her health no longer allowed them to travel. When she wasn’t navigating their next great destination, Audrey could be found with her nose in a good book or a fishing rod in hand. She held the proud distinction of being able to out-fish Bill, a feat she carried with joy. Most importantly, Audrey was a born-again believer who loved the Lord. She found joy in attending church and sharing her faith by teaching Sunday School.
Audrey was preceded in death by her parents, Ralph Dunkel and Roberta Wilson; one daughter, Cynthia Barker; three brothers, Ralph Wilson, Louis Wilson, and Kenneth Wilson; and one sister, Barbara Boyer.
She is survived by her husband of 60 years, Bill Curnutt; her son, David Curnutt, and his wife, Mary; two grandchildren, Michael Dowdy and his wife, Autumn, and John William Marker; one great-grandson, Vladimir Dowdy; one sister, Alice Caldwell; and two brothers, William “Billy” Wilson and Gerald “Butch” Wilson.
Audrey touched the lives of so many, especially those of her family. She will be greatly missed and forever remembered by all who knew and loved her.
