Carolyn Rose Jenkins Williams

Memoriam

Carolyn Rose Jenkins Williams of Cleveland died on Friday, December 18, 2015, surrounded by her loving family.

She was born March 5, 1946, in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, and attended Hattiesburg High School, Mississippi State College for Women (Mississippi University for Women), and Southern College (University of Southern Mississippi).

She and her husband, Jim began their life together in Nashville, where she worked in the healthcare field. Their journey later took them to Cleveland, Chattanooga, and Memphis.

After moving to Cleveland in 1979, she became a member of St. Luke's Episcopal Church. She was an involved member throughout the Cleveland community and served as president of both the PTO and the Cleveland-Athens Cotillion. Carolyn was instrumental in the work of Nancy's House, serving as a board member and chairman. Carolyn loved music and the arts; she served as president of the Cleveland Guild of the Chattanooga Symphony and Opera Board. She was also an early supporter of and volunteer for Friends of the Festival and served on the Riverbend Board.

Carolyn was an avid sports fan, as well as a competitive bridge player and earned a Bronze Life Masters Designation. She also loved spending time with her family at Sanctuary, their home in Monteagle/Sewanee.

Quick-witted and gregarious, she was the ultimate and gracious hostess, entertaining hundreds throughout the years in her homes and other venues. The most cherished memories of Carolyn will be of her extraordinary generosity and loyalty to her family and friends.

Carolyn was preceded in death by her grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Tillman Rose (Lottie) and Mr. and Mrs. D. R. Jenkins (Netta); and by her parents Mr. and Mrs. Edwin M. Jenkins (Geneva).

She is survived by her husband of 45 years, James O. Williams (Jim); her son, Jay Williams (Katherine) of Nashville; her daughter, Courtney Ondrias (Sam) of Asheville; and two grandchildren, Caroline and Oliver Williams of Nashville. She is also survived by her sisters, Sylvia Mills (John Wieczorek) of Chattanooga, Dolores Duvall (Carl) of Atlanta; brother, Ed Jenkins (Cheryl) of Burr Ridge, IL; brother-in-law, Joe Williams (Azza) of Washington, DC; special friends, Stacey and Rocky Casteel of Chattanooga and their daughters Caroline and Hannah; as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

The family wishes to thank those who cared for Carolyn at Baroness Erlanger Hospital, Siskin Hospital for Physical Rehabilitation, Signature HealthCARE, Tennova Healthcare, Hospice of Chattanooga, as well as Lisa Bell, devoted caregiver and friend.

Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 22, 2015 at St. Luke's Episcopal Church, Cleveland, with the Reverend Dr. Joel Huffstetler officiating.

The family will receive friends from noon to 2:00 p.m. at the church prior to the service.

A celebration of Carolyn's life will be held at a later date to be announced by the family.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Carolyn’s memory to the Michael J. Fox Foundation, www.michaeljfox.org or Donation Services, The Michael J. Fox Foundation, P.O. Box 5014, Hagerstown, MD 21741-5014; telephone: 1-800-708-7644.

Arrangements are by Ralph Buckner Funeral Home and Crematory of Cleveland.