Carolyn Virginia Payne

A graduate of Central High School’s Class of 1958, Carolyn married her husband, Larry, on July 29, 1961, in Murfreesboro. Early in their marriage, they lived in Alabama while Larry completed flight training for the Army. During his deployment to Vietnam, Carolyn returned to Murfreesboro and worked at the VA hospital until his return.

The couple later moved to Houston, Texas, where Larry worked on an offshore oil rig. They then lived in Alabama and Georgia, where both were employed in federal service. Eventually, they returned to Murfreesboro, where Carolyn worked at the Rutherford County Building Codes. She retired after more than thirty years in civil service.

Carolyn and Larry were active in their church Belle Aire Baptist Church in Murfreesboro, where they shared many friendships.

She is survived by her brother, Charles W. Smith; her sisters, Connie Smith VanDyke and Cathy Smith Guinn; and her nieces, Jessica Gallman, Emily Watrous, Laura Nedd, Stacy Leiser, and Jolie Guinn.

Carolyn will be remembered by those who knew her and shared in her life.

A Gathering of Family and Friends will be held at Roselawn Funeral Home, 5350 NW Broad Street, Murfreesboro, Tennessee 37129, on Thursday, April 23, 2026, from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm.

A Service to Celebrate will be held at Roselawn Funeral Home, 5350 NW Broad Street, Murfreesboro, Tennessee 37129, on Thursday, April 23, 2026, beginning at 2:00 pm.