Carolyn Parran Gaffney, 92, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother passed away on Monday, May 13, 2024, at Regency Retirement Village of Jackson, TN.
Carolyn was born March 5, 1932, to the late John and Carrie Ryan Parran of Bolivar, Tennessee. She graduated from Bolivar High School and attended the University of Tennessee at Knoxville. When she met and married the love of her life, Joe Gaffney, they moved to Jackson, Tennessee. For several years she worked for First National Bank; but as her family grew, she remained home raising her two children, Carol and Joe IV (Chip).
Carolyn was the consummate homemaker. She took on any task and excelled. She was a fantastic cook and always added her own flair to the dishes she created. As a baker, she was known for her homemade rolls and bread. In addition, Carolyn loved to garden and always kept the yard immaculate with flowers constantly in bloom and vegetables or strawberries growing in the backyard. Sewing was also a self-taught skill she acquired. She made clothes, drapes, curtains, bedspreads, and even a granddaughter’s prom dress. Crafting and knitting were her wintertime projects. Throughout the years she knitted throws, house shoes, and sweaters; as well as decoupaging plaques with mementos. She even built and decorated a dollhouse for her granddaughters.
Carolyn was an active member of First United Methodist Church. She was always involved in her children’s activities; serving as room mother, scout leader, chairman of the school fundraising drive, and an avid supporter of her son’s baseball teams. She also loved to play bridge and golf with her friends. She devoted her entire life to God, family, and friends. Everything she did was centered around her love for her family and their well-being. She has been a role model for her children and grandchildren to emulate.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 68 years, Joe B. Gaffney, III; a son, Joe B. “Chip” Gaffney IV; and a brother John J. Parran, Jr.
She is survived by her daughter, Carol Gaffney Emrich and husband Charles, Granddaughters, Dr. Erin Cline and husband Tommy and Erica Teague and husband Jonathan. Known as Granny, she will be dearly missed by her great-granddaughters, Caroline and Abigail Chambers and Mary and Anna Teague.
The family wishes to express their utmost thanks to the loving staff at Regency Retirement Village who went above and beyond to provide care for her every day. Also, to Hospice of West Tennessee for their loving support.
SERVICES: A graveside service honoring Carolyn’s life will be held at 11:30 a.m. Friday, May 17, 2024, at Hollywood Cemetery with Rev. Garry Miller officiating.
Pallbearers serving will be Charles Emrich, Tommy Cline, Jonathan Teague, Tim Merwin and Judge Roy Morgan, Jr.
The family will be receiving friends on Friday, May 17, 2024, beginning at 10:00 a.m. and continuing until 11:00 a.m. at Arrington Funeral Directors.
The family is requesting in lieu of flowers that memorial contributions be made to Operation Christmas Child Fund at Englewood Baptist Church, 2239 N. Highland Ave. Jackson, TN 38305 or to the charity of choice.
Arrington Funeral Directors, 148 W. University Parkway, Jackson, TN 38305
