Carolyn D Townsend

Carolyn was born and raised in Knoxville, TN. She was a student of West and Webb High Schools and graduated from the University of Tennessee in 1967. At UT, she was a member of the Alpha Omicron Pi sorority, named Honorary Cadet Colonel for the Brigade of Cadets and studied in France her junior year. It was at UT where she met the love of her life, Dalton Townsend. Carolyn and Dalton were married at the Church of the Ascension in Knoxville in 1967, and their marriage lasted over 53 years until her death.

Carolyn was very active in the Knoxville community; she served as the Chairman of the Opera Board, President of the Junior League, and volunteered at the Church of the Ascension. She also worked at her family's antique business, Dominick's Antiques, for several years where she enjoyed going on buying trips to NYC with her sister and brother.

Carolyn was a friend to many and treasured by all that knew her. Of particular note, were her "Supper Club" friends, with whom she met regularly for decades, as well as fellow members of the "Gourmet Dinner Club," her neighbors, high school friends, and her sister, Barbara, with whom she was very close.

Carolyn had a zest for life - she and Dalton traveled all over the world. She loved to entertain, cook and decorate her beautiful home.

Carolyn was preceded in death by her parents, Paul and Mary Dominick, her brother, Paul ("Buddy") Dominick and her sister-in-law, Linda Moulton. Carolyn is survived by her husband, Dalton Townsend; daughter Elizabeth Smith and husband Jeremy (Raleigh); daughter Julie Gontarek and husband Paul (Nashville); grandchildren Zachary, Matthew and Colin Smith and Carolyn and Andrew Gontarek; sister Barbara (J.T.) Alexander; and brother-in-law Robert (Laura) Townsend; and nine dear nieces and nephews who are scattered throughout the Southeast.

A memorial service will be held at Church of the Ascension, 800 South Northshore Drive, Knoxville, TN 37919, at 2:30 pm on Sunday, May 23. In-lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Shriners Hospital (www.shrinershospitalsforchildren.org/shc) or to the Church of the Ascension (www.knoxvilleascension.org).