October 2, 1938 – March 16, 2026
Carolyn Hedden Anderson, born October 2, 1938, in Cashiers, North Carolina, was the third of five children of Roy and Ailene Hedden. She grew up in the Yellow Mountain community and, after graduating from Glenville High School, moved to Atlanta to begin a remarkable career that would span 64 years.
While in Atlanta, Carolyn met David Anderson at the Egyptian Ballroom in the Fox Theatre, and they married soon after. Together they had two daughters, Tracy and Shay. Though their marriage ended after two years, Carolyn devoted her life wholeheartedly to her girls. She worked tirelessly—often holding two jobs—to provide a loving home and every possible opportunity for them. To those who knew her best, she truly was “the Energizer Bunny.”
Her greatest joy and proudest accomplishments were her daughters and, later, her three grandsons, whom she adored beyond words. Carolyn was deeply devoted to her family and was known as a fiercely loyal and supportive friend.
Carolyn was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Ann Pope; and her brother, Ken Hedden. She is survived by her daughters, Tracy Anderson and Shay Anderson Callahan (Ken); her grandsons, Blake, Mason (Kerry), and Brice (Grace); her sisters, Mary Pruitt and Jean Hedden; as well as several nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews.
A woman of strong faith, Carolyn loved Jesus, cherished her time in church and Bible study, and held a special place in her heart for her “Swoozie girls,” often saying, “Everybody put your lips on!”
In lieu of flowers, Carolyn would want you to take that money and put it into a savings account or invest it for your grandchildren—because, as she always said, “that’s the only way you will get ahead.” If you knew Carolyn—Mom, Nana—you know that’s the truth.
Her legacy of love, strength, and devotion will live on in all who knew and loved her.
