Mary Carolyn Hedges

Carolyn was born on July 14, 1939, to Dalton Coe Gooch Jr. and Mary Emma Howell, and was raised in Tennessee along with her two brothers, Dalton III and James Gooch.

Carolyn moved to Illinois after high school, where she lived for over 20 years, raised her five children, and worked at Kraft Foods in Champaign, Illinois.

Later in life, she earned her cosmetology license and fulfilled her dream of becoming the owner of a successful beauty salon in Cape Coral, Florida. Through her work, she built lasting friendships and touched the lives of countless clients with her warmth, kindness, and caring spirit.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Leonard Hedges, and her two children, J. Kay Thomas and David Franklin Farmer.

She is lovingly remembered by her three surviving children, Larry Jr., Mary Jayne, and Cheryl; her stepchildren, Tom, Pam, Richard, and Karen; her grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and her sister-in-law, Kay, with whom she shared a special relationship. All were blessed by her unconditional love, wisdom, and support.

Carolyn’s greatest joy was her family. She treasured every moment spent with her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and extended family. She will be remembered for her generous heart, her loving home, and the grace and determination with which she lived her life.

Though she will be deeply missed, Carolyn’s love and the memories she created will remain in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

*“Those we love don’t go away; they walk beside us every day. Unseen, unheard

Celebration of Life Services will be held at 5:30pm on Thursday, August 6, 2026 at Sutallee Baptist Church, 895 Kox Bridge Highway, White, GA 30184