Carolyn Huddleston

Carolyn Naomi Shanks Huddleston, 88, of Buffalo Valley, Tennessee passed away to heaven Thursday, March 19, 2020 at Cookeville Regional Medical Center. Carolyn was born March 28, 1931 to Luke A. and Dona (Boyd) Shanks in the house across the creek from the house she has lived in since 1970 in Buffalo Valley. Carolyn attended Denny Seminary School as a young girl where she became self-taught how to play the piano at 6 years old. Carolyn attended Baxter Seminary where she graduated in 1949. Carolyn married Milton (Ted) Huddleston Dec. 26,1948 in Rossville, Georgia (a year shy of graduating high school). Her mother Dona (a school teacher) insisted she finish high school whereas she did.They were happily together and married for 71 plus years. They had 5 sons, David, Donnie, Gary, Bruce and Mike. They lived in various locations until they settled in Old Hickory, Tennessee up until the move to Hendersonville, Tennessee in 1968 and back home to Buffalo Valley in 1970 to the house across the creek from the house she was born in. Carolyn had a "green thumb", everything she touched or planted lived a "happy life". She was a homemaker and enjoyed cooking family meals more than anything. Carolyn attended the Buffalo Valley Presbyterian Church where at times she played the piano and organ. She was an avid geneologist and shared family history with so many, too many to name them all. With the help of Barbara Markel and Char Wanser, they started the Buffalo Valley Library. Carolyn worked as a clerk for a period of time at the Buffalo Valley Post Office. She loved helping people and encouraging them to be the best they could be at all times. Carolyn was preceded in death by her son Bruce in 1978. In addition to her husband, she is survived by her sister, Miriam Gwaltney and brother George Shanks. Also, she is survived by sons, David (Kay) Huddleston, Donnie (Peggy) Huddleston, Gary Huddleston and Mike (Lisa) Huddleston; seven grandchildren, Dr. Leslie (Stephen) Franklin, John Huddleston, Jack Huddleston, Jennifer (Marty) Sauvie , Adam (Myiesha) Huddleston, Brian (Becky) Huddleston and Blake (Chrissy) Huddleston; and by six great grandchildren, Kate, Heidi, Carolyn Rose, Aubrey, Maya and Joey. Visitation and graveside services are to be held Sunday March 22, 2020 with interment to be held at Smellage Cemetery. Due to the CORONA-VIRUS, all services are for immediate family members only PLEASE. Carolyn was beloved by all who knew her, everyone is encouraged to leave condolences and messages to her family on her tribute page at hhhfunerals.com. A public celebration of life for Carolyn will be held at a later date to be determined. In lieu of flowers, Carolyn's family asks that any donations be made to the Buffalo Valley Library. "Let there be Peace in the Valley." Carolyn's family wishes to express thanks and prayers to mom's caregivers Ashley, Belinda, Chris and Helen. They were as much as inspiration to her as she was to you. Also, special thank you Lisa and Tammy of Home Health for making her day each time you visited, as well. Baxter chapel of Hooper-Huddleston & Horner Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. (931)858-2134. Share memories and condolences at www.hhhfunerals.com.