Carolyn Sue (McClearen) Gafford

Carolyn Sue McClearen Gafford was born on November 5, 1938, to Bonnie Rhea Skelton McClearen and Way Wright McClearen. She had a wonderful life in Kimmins, TN where her father, Way, owned and operated a sawmill and McClearens’ Mercantile. Bonnie Rhea was the postmistress in the store.

Carolyn was an only child, but had many Kimmins friends, June O’Guin, Wanda Quillen, and many others. She graduated from Lewis County High School in 1957. She also received a Bachelor of Science in Education with an emphasis in Home Economics from Austin Peay College. She then graduated from Peabody/ Vanderbilt University with a master’s in science in Education and an emphasis in Library Science.

She was the librarian at Hume Fogg High School in Metro Davidson County for ten years. During that time, she had a son, Jeffrey Wade Gallaher. He was the center of her world. Jeff’s father, Glenn Gallaher and Carolyn moved back to Lewis County and both taught school in Lewis County Schools for a few years. Carolyn taught sixth grade with another life-long friend, Shelia Mash Dean.

When Jeff was about seven years old, she remarried Bob Gafford and he came with a very nice young son, Don Gafford. Don and Jeff played together and grew up into handsome young men.

Later, Jeff had a son, Harley, who stayed with Carolyn and Bob for many days. Harley and Carolyn played instruments and acted in their own plays.  Don had three children for Carolyn and Bob to enjoy, Zac, Madison, and Anna.

Through all the years Carolyn had a wonderful friend she ate supper with every Friday night, Rosemary Floyd Hinson. Rosemary passed a few years ago and Carolyn never got over losing her wonderful friend. Rosemary had a sister, Janis Floyd, who was Carolyn’s beautician. Janis had even gone to the nursing home to cut and style Carolyn’s hair.

Carolyn leaves behind her sons, Jeff (Lisa) Gallaher and Don (Gina) Gafford; and grandchildren Harley Gallaher, Zac Gafford, Madison Gafford, and Anna Gafford.

Visitation with family and friends will be held in the chapel of Adair Funeral & Cremation Services on Wednesday May 3, 2023, from 11:00-1:00 pm. Services will begin at 1:00 with burial to follow at Lewis County Memorial Gardens. Josh Adair will be officiating.

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