We know that Carolyn Morrison touched many lives in our community and were saddened at the word of her death two weeks ago.

A Memorial Service for will be held at the Leslie Town Center on Thursday, July 9th at 6pm:

On behalf of the family of Carolyn Morrison, valued Chamber Board member, business and community leader, we invite you and your colleagues to attend a memorial celebration honoring the life and legacy of a very special member of our community.     --- Carolyn Morrison Memorial Celebration --      

"I am very sad about the loss of Carolyn"  said Becky Magura, General Manager of WCTE-TV.  "Carolyn was a dynamic force and will be missed as a mother, wife, friend, teacher, insurance leader, political force and citizen.  She offered unconditional acceptance and love to all that she met and that is one of the things that I admired most about her.  I will miss her...we will miss her.  It's a loss that will not be filled."

Carolyn served on WCTE's Board of Directors for two full terms and made many contributions to the success and growth of the station.

According to Representative Henry Fincher, there's a saying in politics, "If Carolyn is for you, who can be against you."

Apparently, a lot of people felt that way about having Carolyn Morrison in their corner. 

One of her students from her teaching years wrote "Although I haven’t seen nor spoken with Carolyn in over 20 years, I feel a great loss from her passing.  She believed in me and I will never forget her.  She was a rare jewel."  ---Karen Wallace Klein

Noble Cody said, "She was extremely interested in higher education and college degrees, and excited to serve on the Education Commission.  And she was a dedicated business woman, building her successful business almost singlehandedly.  She worked hard and was serious about helping people and making sure that she created policies to protect and benefit rather than simply build her business."   

With a reputation of community involvement, it seems clear that Morrison will leave a void not easily filled.  One friend said that she lived to make a difference and was faithful to her commitments, and intensely thoughtful about the actions required.

"This country has lost a great citizen." said Cody, "She loved Cookeville and she loved life."

In the video feature here on CookevilleTimes.com, Carolyn's commitment to the growth of this area is clear as she accepts accolades for her tireless efforts in bringing the Highland Visitor's Center to life.

Morrison's career included tenure as a teacher at Upperman High School and it was her wish that instead of flowers, donations be made to a scholarship fund for students from rural high schools. 

Jan Hutchings and Marie Swallows worked with her as a teacher at Upperman and Mrs. Hutchings said, "She was an excellent teacher.  She really worked with the students and just did a fantastic job.  She taught Economics and a variety of other subjects and she was simply excellent with Economics.  I was surprised when she quit teaching, but I know that her commitment to education continued." 

Greg Medlin wrote "She taught me math at Upperman and was a wonderful teacher.  You will be missed Carolyn." 

In leiu of flowers, the family has communicated that it was her wish to see funds go to a scholarship fund for rural high school graduates, like those from Upperman High School, to encourage their continuing education.  Those wishing to make such donations may send them to:  The Carolyn Morrison Scholarship Fund c/o The Community Foundation of Middle TN, PO Box 440225, Nashville, TN  37244. 

 If you have comments you would like to share in tribute to Ms. Morrison, please send them to CookevilleTimes.com with the label "Carolyn Morrison."