Susan Kaye Carlton

Susan Kaye Carlton passed away peacefully in the company of family at age 68 on Tuesday, January 19th, after a six year fight with mantle cell lymphoma. She was preceded in death by her parents Marlin Martin and Christine Schmidt, her stepfather James Schmidt, and granddaughter Wyncie Bouge. She is survived by her husband Larry Carlton, son Matthew Stevens (Ingrid), stepson Nathan Carlton, stepdaughter Megan Bouge (Brandon), grandchildren Rhylyn Carlton, Emmett Bouge, Madeline Stevens, sister Gail Hendley Sanders (Lewis), stepsister Betty Jo Jones (Ron), nephew Jim Hendley (Sharon), niece Susan Bowden (Tom), great nephew Cole Dunnavant, and numerous other relatives.

Kaye’s strength was amazing as she showed time and time again her will to beat cancer. She survived a stroke, made it through multiple rounds of chemo, and she did so with amazing courage, strength and character. Kaye, her friends and family, raised over $12,000 for cancer research over four years through LLS Light the Night, Team Kaye. It was her desire for Team Kaye to continue in her memory.

She touched countless lives through the years as a teacher at Calvary Young Children’s School where she taught three and four year olds for nearly 25 years. She continued her passion for teaching by joining Shane Elementary until her retirement.

She was an avid gardener. Anything she touched blossomed and shined brightly. Many have benefited from her sharing of plant bulbs and cuttings. Kaye loved spending time outdoors most any time of the year. Her greatest passion was Christmas decorating, entertaining, including hosting multiple parties during the season, and sharing gifts with those she loved.

Her family and friends meant everything to her. She was a wonderful wife, aunt, sister, mother, and grandmother. She adored her grandchildren. Her kindness and patience were amazing.

Kaye loved to cook. She always made too much food, never wanting anyone to go hungry. She had an endless supply of Tupperware for “go boxes.” Many enjoyed “shopping” at her grocery store, also known as her kitchen pantry.

A Gathering of Family and Friends will be held from two in the afternoon until six in the evening on Sunday, January 24, 2021 at Brentwood-Roesch-Patton Funeral Home.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at two o'clock in the afternoon on Monday, January 25, 2021 in the Chapel of Brentwood-Roesch-Patton Funeral Home with one hour prior.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to either of the following organizations:

Calvary United Methodist Young Children's School

Attn: The Anne Parker Scholarship

3701 Hillsboro Pike, Nashville, TN 37215

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society – TN Chapter

Attn: Light the Night – Team Kaye, in memory of Kaye Carlton

P.O. Box 292705

Nashville, TN 37229