Carolyn Dodds Clements

Carolyn was born September 22, 1928 to Charles Dodds and Caroline Fisher Dodds in Halls, TN and the family moved to Columbus, GA when she was 12. She graduated from Union at the age of 19 in 1948. While at Union, she was a cheerleader, co-captain of the basketball team, and a member of the Chi Omega Sorority in which she was active for over 75 years.

She met the man who would become her husband, Grady Clements, while at Union and they married in 1947.

She began teaching P.E. at Jackson Junior High for three years, then staying home to raise her four children. She went back to teaching History at North Side High School in Jackson and was sponsor of cheerleaders and the annual. In 1969, Grady and Carolyn started Clemco Sales, Inc. which they operated until retiring in 1991. This allowed them to hire several Union students for part-time work and start a scholarship to help Union students.

She and Grady travelled overseas and throughout the US and wintered in Harlingen, TX for many years. Together they coordinated the Salvation Army Christmas Toy Drive and she was an integral part of the Women’s Golf League where she won the Club Championship many years. She was also a former board member for Youth Town.

Carolyn enjoyed painting, piano/organ, fishing, and knitting – donating several blankets to Veterans. She taught Sunday School and did missionary work for First Baptist Church Jackson, East Union Baptist Church Jackson and Missionary Baptist in Combs, TX.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 66 years, Grady Clements.

Carolyn is survived by her three sons, Joe Clements (Terry), Marty Clements (Wendy), and Tim Clements (Lisa); her daughter, Carole Clements Tackett; grandsons, Michael Clements, Derek Clements, Drew Clements, Brian Johnsey, and Colby Clements; and granddaughters, Stacy Warner, Jenny Doss, Candace Copeland; and nine great grandchildren.

She is also survived by her sister Nancy Breedlove (Charles) and her brother Retired Lt. Colonel Charles Dodds.

Her grandsons will serve as pallbearers.

Funeral services for Mrs. Carolyn will be held on Saturday, January 20, 2024 at 1:00 pm in the North Chapel of George A. Smith and Sons with Rev. Don Thrasher officiating. The family will receive friends beginning at 11 a.m., two hours prior to the service. There will be no graveside services and burial will be in Highland Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials in Mrs. Carolyn’s memory be directed to The Salvation Army, Youth Town of Tennessee, Red Cross Disaster Relief or to your church.