Carol Potter Hendrix

Carol Potter Hendrix, 73, of Columbus, Georgia, died on Saturday, July 11, 2026. She was born on January 30, 1953 in Columbus, Georgia to the late Evelyn Miles Potter and Seymore Edward Potter. A bit of a late- in-life surprise to her parents, she joined her older sister Beverly and brought all the mischief and energy expected of a second child. “Little Carol” loved her Edgewood neighbors, who became like family to the Potters.

Carol attended Hardaway High School, where she caught the eye of her future husband Dennis Hendrix. The two went on to attend Columbus College. Dennis finally got his first date with Carol their freshman year through their mutual involvement in the Baptist Student Union, and they were inseparable ever since. Always a bright scholar, Carol graduated with a degree in Early Childhood Education and was recognized as the top graduate in her major. She should take credit for Dennis’s degrees, too, since she edited and typed all his papers. She was a gifted writer and whip-smart, easily conversing about any topic.

Dennis and Carol were married the August after their graduation, and moved to Watkinsville, Georgia where Carol began her teaching career while supporting Dennis through his Master’s degree at UGA. Two years later, the couple moved back to their hometown of Columbus where they’d go on to build a life with deep roots and meaningful friendships that made Carol’s too-short days still abundantly full.

Carol continued her education with a master’s degree in special education and spent many years as a special education teacher within Muscogee County. After her son Miles and daughter Barclay were born, she was gifted with the opportunity to turn her focus to homemaking. She was a doting, fun, loving mom and built a warm home that was the centerpiece and springboard of her children’s idyllic childhood.

Carol was an involved friend and community member. She could always be counted on to volunteer at her children’s schools, and enjoyed instilling a servant heart in her own children by bringing them along on opportunities like delivering meals with Meals on Wheels. As her children grew and she had more time for outside service, she became involved with causes dear to her heart like Even Start and Positive Parenting. After she and Dennis became empty-nesters, Carol returned to Muscogee County School District as an administrator with Special Education until her health caused her to retire. Her brief return to MCSD provided her with “new” friendships that continued the rest of her days, well past her “retirement” from the workforce.

Carol and Dennis joined First Baptist Church as young newlyweds and raised their children there. Carol remained an active member for as long as her health allowed. The friendships they formed there became the orbit around which their social lives revolved, adding abundant love and laughter to their and their children’s lives.

Carol loved her friends, from each stage of her life. Her easygoing, approachable, non-judgmental nature made her a confidant to friends from all walks of life. She was quick-witted and loved good banter. She could have the whole room laughing with one of her well-timed dry remarks.

Carol’s most abundant joy, and the one she continued to hold on to even as health forced her world to become a bit smaller, was her family. Her favorite person in the world was her “Den”, and she always wanted him close. Dennis was honored to be her person. In fact, it’s all he’s wanted since he first saw her in high school. Carol delighted in her children and her grandchildren. Her face lit up when she saw them or talked about them. Even during her last week on earth, as her body was failing her, she was asking her children what her grandchildren were up to those days. Her children and grandchildren adored her in turn, and her legacy will live on through them.

Carol is survived by her loving husband of nearly 51 years, Dennis Hendrix, son Miles (Anna) Hendrix, daughter Barclay (Will) Vallotton, and four grandchildren, the true delights of her life—Emmie and Lawson Hendrix and Hugh and Sutton Vallotton. She is also survived by her sister Beverly and the husband Carol hand-picked for her, Graham Anthony, and in-laws David (Debbie) Hendrix and Darlene (Steve) Capista, as well as her nieces, nephew, and great-nieces.

A Celebration of Carol's Life will be held at First Baptist Church, 212 12th St, Columbus, Georgia 31901, on July 15, 2026, at 11:00 am. Carol's family will greet guests immediately after the service in the Fellowship Hall.