Born July 6, 1935, to Johnnie and Lela Eidson Watson in Eupora, Mississippi. Carolyn graduated from Eupora High School in 1952, and thereafter attended Wood Junior College and Asbury College, receiving her Bachelor of Arts in 1957. She received her Masters in Christian Education from Scarritt College for Christian Workers in 1962.
During her career as a Christian educator, Carolyn served numerous churches in Mississippi, Virginia, and Tennessee as the Director of Christian Education. While at First Methodist Church in Salem, Virginia, she was elected to the Methodist Conference Council as Chairman of Children’s Work where she led workshops and camping programs for children and youth throughout the conference. At Church Street United Methodist Church in Knoxville, Tennessee, she worked in ministry to children and families, establishing a weekday program of early childhood education for disadvantaged children.
While at Scarritt, she attended West End United Methodist Church where she met the love of her life, Dr. L. Rowe Driver. In 1970, Carolyn returned to Nashville and married Rowe. She devoted the next twenty-plus years to raising her two children. She was an active member of West End United Methodist Church, Belmont Garden Club, and the Centennial Club. In retirement, Carolyn and Rowe enjoyed traveling and time with their grandchildren. Her last years were blessed with loving care from the staff at the ClareBridge memory care unit at The Cumberland Brookdale Green Hills. Her family is extremely grateful for their care and support.
Carolyn was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Kathleen Watson Morelan (Johnny); and her husband, Rowe. She is survived by daughters Elizabeth Driver Cambron (Mike) of Nashville, and Donna Driver Norris (Roger) of Birmingham, Alabama; granddaughters Leslie Hannah Norris and Katherine Faye Norris, and numerous nieces and nephews.
A celebration of Carolyn’s life will be held at West End United Methodist Church on Thursday, January 23, 2020, with visitation from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. and a memorial service to follow at 3:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to West End United Methodist Church.
DONATIONS
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18