RIPLEY, Tenn. — Virginia Carolyn Rowland Caldwell, age 85, passed away Monday, Dec. 1.
She was born February 24, 1940 in Charleston. She graduated from East Tallahatchie High School in 1958, then attended Northwest Junior College.
In 1962 Carolyn married J. Thomas Caldwell. Following his complettion of law school, they settled in his hometown of Ripley, Tenn. Upon the arrival of their children, Carolyn became a devoted stay-at-home mother. Her life in Ripley was filled with many friends and activities. Among her favorite hobbies were her Bridge club and book club.
She especially enjoyed hosting lavish dinners for family and friends. Each Thanksgiving nad Christmas she prepared elaborate meals for her extended family.
Throughout her life Carolyn maintained a strong attachment to the memories of growing up in Charleston and counted her experiences there as a foundational influence in all areas of her life. Wherever she lived and traveled, she was proud to share her beloved Mississippi roots. Carolyn and her family were members of The First United Methodist Church of Ripley.
She was preceded in death by her husband, James Thomas Caldwell; her parents, James Frank and Susie Rowland; a brother, James Frank Rowland Jr.; two sisters, Katie Sue Howard and Mary Helen Rowland.
She is survived by her daughter, Sarah Caldwell Driggers (Billy); her son, William Rowland Caldwell; a granddaughter, Katherine (Katie) Brassfield; and a sister, Barbara Rowland Craddock.
