Carolyn M. Stephens

Carolyn Mauldin Stephens, 81, of Benton, passed away peacefully on February 12, 2021 at her home surrounded by her loving family.

Mrs. Stephens received her Bachelor of Education Degree from Alabama College (now University of Montevallo) and her Masters of Education Degree from The University of Tennessee at Knoxville.  She retired in 1994 as an elementary teacher from the Polk County School System.  She was a loving wife to J.C. Stephens and passed away on their forty-fifth wedding anniversary.

She was born on August 14, 1939 to the late J.M. and Eva Mauldin in Cullman, Alabama.

In addition to her parents, J.M. and Eva Mauldin, she was also preceded in death by one infant brother, David Lee Mauldin.

Survivors include her beloved husband of 45 years, J.C. Stephens; loving children, Anne Wilson Stinnett and her husband Greg of Dalton, GA., Greg Wilson and his wife Tess of Benton, TN., Dennis Stephens and his wife Gay Lynn of Ocoee, TN., Cindy Stephens Rogers and her husband Lonnie of Trenton, GA.; adored grandchildren, Jessica Wilson Cardenas and her husband Moises of Chattanooga, TN., Sarah Stinnett of Birmingham, AL., Sawyer Stinnett of Huntsville, AL., Jade Wilson of Savannah, GA., Kevin Stephens and his wife Summer of Cleveland, TN., Kara Stephens Tragressor of Cleveland, TN., Justin Stephens of Ocoee, TN., Lindsay Rogers Ryan and her husband Steven of Trenton, GA., Laura Rogers Oliver and her husband Geoffrey of Ooltewah, TN.; great-grandchildren, Josue and Matias Cardenas, Tori and Keely Stephens, Carter and Charlie Ryan, Brendan Oliver, Katelyn Stephens and Kyler Hood; great-great-grandchildren, Julia Stephens and Kaden Wampler; brother, George Mauldin and his wife Joyce Ann of Pelham, AL.

A private Celebration of Life graveside service will be held on Saturday, February 20, 2021 at Benton Memorial Gardens with Reverend Dave Whaley officiating.

Her family will receive friends from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 20, 2021 at Higgins Funeral Home.

The family would like to say a special “Thank you” to caregivers Cyndi Nelms, Marie Crook, Patty Rucker and Kris Rose, as well as nurses Kourtnei and Calyn, CNA’s Janie and Annie, and social worker Dawn from Hospice of Chattanooga.  These ladies have all been a part of this journey with Carolyn/Mom/Grandma and we were blessed to have them with us each step of the way.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Polk County High School Alumni Association – Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 353, Benton, TN 37307, or to a charity of your choice.

Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at www.HigginsFuneral.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Higgins Funeral Home of Benton.