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On the morning of February 21, 2024, Carolyn Anne Caudill slipped into her Savior’s arms. The youngest of three children, Carolyn was born on August 26, 1956, to Julian and Alta Jane Caudill in Elizabethton, Tenn. A precious daughter, Carolyn was loved and adored by her family throughout her life.

When Carolyn started school at West Side Elementary, her sweet smile and magnetic personality soon won her many friends. As one classmate recalled, “Carolyn was the prettiest girl in the 3rd grade…she could climb the monkey bars better than any boy.” Another one said, “I believe all of us guys were in love with Carolyn at West Side.” However, it was not just the boys. Carolyn was always surrounded and loved by a circle of dear girlfriends. She maintained close relationships with some throughout her life. At T.A. Dugger Jr. High, Carolyn was a cheerleader for the Pirates and sang in the Glee Club. As she transitioned into high school, Carolyn remained a class favorite and was honored by being elected Miss Sophomore. She also participated in various clubs and organizations, including the infamous 18 Club. Although Carolyn loved the Cyclones, we all know that a part of her heart belonged to the Hampton Bulldogs!

After graduating from Elizabethton High School, Carolyn attended East Tennessee State University. Upon marrying her first husband, Kail Hazelwood, they moved to Knoxville and Carolyn worked in the Restaurant and Hospitality Industry. She served in various roles including several supervisory/managerial positions. Carolyn later married her second husband, Van Baker, and they made their home in the Strawberry Plains area. Following her retirement, Carolyn remained in Knoxville until her passing.

One activity Carolyn really enjoyed after retirement was reconnecting with her EHS Class of 1974 classmates and friends. She frequently traveled to Elizabethton for lunch and dinner gatherings. She was looking forward to our 50th Class Reunion later this fall. All her friends will miss her.

Carolyn had a natural God-given talent for writing and could have easily been a best-selling author. She even spoke of writing a book one day, if she had we are sure it would have jumped to #1! She loved poetry and could always best express herself in words. Carolyn was journaling before it was “cool” to write down all your private and intimate thoughts.

Along with her love of nature, Carolyn loved animals – all animals – but especially dogs and cats. We cannot remember a time when Carolyn did not have a dog or cat or both~ If she came to your house to visit, and you had a pet, she always brought that cat/dog a treat. That was just Carolyn.

Carolyn had a huge heart; she loved fiercely. She was extremely loyal and loved and cared for her parents when they became older. She was the apple of their eye and they adored and loved Carolyn. When Carolyn was growing up, her parents, Julian and Alta Jane, would open their home to Carolyn’s friends. It was not unusual, on any given weekend, to find 3,4,5, or even 6 girlfriends sleeping over and finding themselves chauffeured to ballgames, skating rinks, movies, plays, or just downtown on a Saturday. Carolyn and her parents were so gracious to those of us who grew up with her. Their outpouring of love and hospitality was endless.

Carolyn was a lifelong member at the First United Methodist Church, Elizabethton, Tenn. She was very close to and had maintained a relationship with her former pastor, William (Bill) Carter, until his death in 2022.

Carolyn Anne Caudill was a beautiful and dear daughter, aunt, wife, and friend. She will always be remembered for having a heart full of love. We think she would like the following poem that we have chosen to reflect her wishes.

Remember Me

To the living, I am gone,

To the sorrowful, I will never return,

To the angry, I was cheated,

But to the happy, I am at peace,

And to the faithful, I have never left.

I cannot speak, but I can listen,

I cannot be seen, but I can be heard.

So as you stand upon a shore gazing at a beautiful sea,

As you look upon a flower and admire its simplicity,

Remember me.

Remember me in your heart:

Your thoughts, and your memories,

Of the times we loved,

The times we cried,

The times we fought,

The times we laughed.

For if you always think of me, I will never have gone.

—Margaret Mead

A graveside service to celebrate the life of Carolyn Anne Caudill will be conducted at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, March 5, at Happy Valley Memorial Park with Reverend Raymond Amos Sr. officiating. Music will be provided by Loretta Bowers. Those wishing to attend the graveside service are asked to meet at the cemetery at 12:50 p.m. Tuesday. Those who prefer memorials in lieu of flowers may make donations in memory of Carolyn to the Elizabethton Animal Shelter, 135 Sycamore Shoals Drive, Elizabethton, TN 37643. Words of comfort can be sent to the family through our website, www.tetrickfuneralhome.com.

Tetrick Funeral Home-Riverside Chapel, 211 North Riverside, Elizabethton, TN 37643 is honored to serve the family of Carolyn Anne Caudill. (423) 542-2232; Obituary Line (423) 543-4917.