Carol Ann was never without advice to give, a story to share, and a laugh to inspire. I’m so glad my fun aunt is no longer in pain. Rest easy CAH.

Carol Ann and Mark were great neighbors when we lived in S. K'ville. I agree, Carol Ann was always pleasant and was a very positive person. She and Mark seemed to have a great relationship. I am saddened to hear of her passing at such an early age. Condolences to Mark and other family members. I know she will leave a void but the memories you have of this true example of goodness will prove to sustain your love for each other. I believe those who pass before us serve as guardian angels to their loved ones.  Mark Maddox, Ormond Beach, FL

Carol Ann had a beautiful heart! It flowed to those around her with 
genuineness and gentleness.  She was a blessing to all who knew her!
With sympathy, love, and prayers to each of her family and friends.

To Jen, Mr. Mike, and the entire family my sincerest condolences and prayers for the family. To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. God bless

I am sorry for her family's loss.  I don't remember ever seeing Carol Ann appear to be having a bad day.   She always appeared cheerful each time I saw her at work.  She was friendly.  She will be missed.  God bless her family and friends!

I would like to send Mark and his family my deepest sympathies. I was fortunate to have Carol Ann as a friend; she was a really wonderful person and one of God's blessings. I shall miss her terribly until I see her again in heaven.

Carol Ann was always a light to be around and we looked forward to seeing her every time. She was sweet, caring, and a ball of fun.  She will be deeply missed.

Carol Ann and I worked together for over 38 years.  Not only was she a great colleague but a dear friend.  I will miss her sense of humor, smile, and larger than life personality!  My sympathy to her husband Mark and her family.  I am praying for all of you during these difficult times, but I am glad she is no longer suffering!  I will miss you Carol Ann!

Mark and family; I am so very sorry to hear about Carol Ann. We worked together for many years at Ye Olde Steakhouse.  God bless everyone during this sad and difficult time.  Prayers for all. With love and sympathy,  
Janie Richards

Carol Ann and I connected very quickly as we worked through the keys in one of our West-side Residence Halls. When I moved to a new position in Magnolia Hall, Carol Ann was always there to check in, see what was needed, and maybe grab a Laffy Taffy or some candy. You could hear her brightness from down the hall, and I truly cherish being able to learn about her passions and see her be there for both our students and staff. Over 40 years of dedicated service is unheard of today, and I know she impacted so very many people along the way, whether that was at UTK, in the community, or through her time at Ye Olde Steakhouse in Knoxville too. My thoughts and best wishes to all of those impacted by this news (particularly family), and I hope we all allow these amazing memories to live on in our hearts!

Carol Ann and I worked together in UT Housing in the early 2000's but stayed in touch when I had the joy of getting to see her on her shifts at the steak house. I was in tears when I saw the news of her passing. She was always so kind to me and had such a positive spirit. My heart goes out to her husband and family that I know will miss her dearly. I hate she didn't have more years to enjoy retirement. She gave her all for UT and will be dearly missed. 

Ashleigh Moyer
UT staff and friend of Carol Ann

I’m so sorry for your loss. Carol Ann was an absolute sweetheart. Her infectious smile will be missed.

Carol Ann will be missed by so many. She was a fantastic person. I am praying for her family during this difficult time. Rest in peace Carol Ann. I love you!

My condolence to the family, Carol was a great work colleague. Always smiling.  May Prayers comforter all the family hearts.
Nakia Mitchell in housing.

To Mark and the family/friends who loved her the closest: I am so sorry for your loss. Carol Ann was one of the good ones, and it never seems fair that we lose the good ones too soon. I was lucky enough to know Carol Ann for the last nine years, and I’m grateful our paths crossed. While we didn’t always have long conversations frequently, when we did catch up, we had some of the best life chats—whether in my office, her office, passing each other in the hall, or while she power-walked across campus, leaving me struggling to keep up. She had a way of always being on the move—both physically and in life.

I loved hearing her stories, especially about her parents and her family, as well as the countless memories from her years in University Housing. She had seen it all, and she told it all with humor, wisdom, and just the right amount of exasperation.

I’m glad she got to retire, though it was far from the easy road she deserved. But in true Carol Ann fashion, she faced every challenge head-on, never questioning the journey—just pushing forward in faith and making the most of every moment, something she repeatedly told me about her mom when she was aging. 

She loved her people fiercely and always assumed the best in others—until they gave her a reason not to. And when that happened, well, they probably heard about it because she never shied away from telling the truth. Her kindness, strength, and resilience left a lasting impact on so many, and I’ll always be grateful to have known her.

Rest easy, CAH. While we've all gained a dedicated guardian angel, you are already deeply missed.

Carol Ann, a great person with a larger than life personality.  I will carry many fond memories of our playful banter and meaningful conversations.  We were each other’s first video Skype once upon a time and she loved hearing me say “out and about”.  Most recently we spent time taking about the Emerald Isle as she was so excited to win the fight and take that dream trip.  My condolences to the family and hope comfort can be found knowing she is no longer suffering.  Rest easy dear friend.

Carol Ann was such a sweet soul. We grew very close during our time together in UT Housing. I often called her my “work mom” because she was always so open, caring and always looked after you. Whenever I stopped by her office, she always met me with the brightest smile. Whenever she called me,  we could easily chat for hours. Carol Ann will be missed dearly, as she was such a bright and beautiful human. Sending much love. My deepest condolences.

Carol Ann will be missed- I worked with her at UT for so many years -she was a  very special person-- I enjoyed our talks almost daily-- she would talk of her family and I would talk of mine-seemed as if I knew some of her family-

I’m so sorry to hear that Carol Ann passed. We worked together for many years at UT housing. I first met her in 1988 there was a new system to put a hold on a student account and I got to train her how to use the system. A wonderful caring person that would best describe Carol Ann

OBITUARY

Carol Ann Henderson

July 11, 1964 – January 26, 2025

Berry Funeral Home

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