Carolyn Ann Curry, 77, of Cottontown, Tennessee, passed away peacefully on July 21, 2026 surrounded by her loving family.
Carol was born on January 13, 1949, to Woody and Margaret Elliott. She lived her first 18 years of life in Detroit, Michigan where she attended Osborne High School. She was a member of the basketball, tennis, and field hockey team where she was named All-City goalie. She then attended David Lipscomb University in Nashville, Tennessee. She was a member of the Lipscomb tennis team and served as the editor of the college yearbook. Carol was also a Bisonette, Lipscomb’s marching pep squad.
Carol was and still is the beloved wife to Don Curry for over 54 years. They met on a blind date while in college, married in 1972, and have been inseparable since. Together they built a life of unwavering love and devotion. She was a mother to their three children: Mark, Matt, and Melinda. One of her greatest joys was her role of “Nina” and “Nana” to her 8 grandchildren.
Carol was a teacher for Sumner County Schools for over 30 years. She taught 2nd grade at Oakmont Elementary School for the majority of her teaching career. Her classroom was a place where students felt valued, encouraged, and challenged to become their best. Many former students remember her not only as an outstanding teacher, but also as a caring mentor who made a lasting difference in their lives. In 2001, she was awarded Teacher of the Year by the State of Tennessee General Assembly.
She lived a life marked by faith, compassion, and a genuine love for others. Above all, Carol was a devoted Christian whose relationship with Jesus Christ guided every aspect of her life. She faithfully served at Portland Church of Christ through teaching, volunteering, and encouraging others with kindness and grace. She led bible class for toddlers for over 50 years, introducing countless children to Jesus. Carol is known for always having the perfect words of love and encouragement for the recipients of the thousands of cards she has written through the years.
Carol enjoyed attending Vanderbilt athletic events, cheering on the Portland Panthers and Beech Buccaneers, reading spy novels and thrillers, solving crossword puzzles, and playing for hours on end with her grandchildren. She loved watching anything in which her children and grandchildren participated. Throughout her life, she read the entire Bible countless times.
She is survived by her husband, Don Curry; her children Mark (Kelly) Curry, Matt (Rachel) Curry, and Melinda (Dan) Ray; her grandchildren Lincoln, Dani Beth, and Hunter Ray; Luke and Aiden Curry; and Jameson, Jude, and Jasper Curry.
She is preceded in death by her parents Woody and Margaret Elliott and her sister, Shirley (Charles) Chick.
Visitation will take place on Saturday, July 25 from 2:00-6:00pm at Portland Church of Christ. The family will receive visitors beginning at 12:00pm on Sunday until the service begins at 1:00pm, also at the Portland Church of Christ.
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This obituary was published by Wilkinson & Wiseman Funeral Home – Portland.
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