Carolyn Loper Dodd

Carolyn Susan Loper Dodd
of Germantown, TN
October 23, 1946 – February 21, 2026

Carolyn Loper Dodd passed away on February 21, at home, surrounded by loved ones and abundant prayers. Carolyn was born in Atlanta, Georgia, on October 23, 1946. She was preceded in death by her parents (William Warner Loper Sr. and Juanita Wingate Loper) and siblings (William Warner Loper Jr. and Barbara Loper Lee).

Carolyn graduated from Gordon High School (Decatur, GA) in 1964 and married her high school sweetheart, John, in 1966. Their 59 -year marriage exemplified a true love of the rarest kind. Carolyn treasured the early years of marriage spent living in Frankfurt, Germany, and travelling through Europe in their 1970 Volkswagen Beetle.

In 1973, Carolyn made Tennessee her forever home, where she became the beloved mother to Jennifer and Patrick. Carolyn loved her children with a unique blend of inner strength, acceptance, and infinite optimism. Carolyn’s gracious manner made her home a warm and inviting space where family and friends from all walks of life would visit often and leave feeling appreciated and loved.

Carolyn’s inherent ability to connect with others carried over to her profession as a preschool teacher and director. For over forty years, Carolyn led others with compassion, humor, and grace. Her positive impact on students, families, and teachers is evident in the lifelong connections and friendships developed throughout her time as an early childhood teacher.

The greatest joy of Carolyn’s life was being a grandmother to Elisabeth, Hallie, and Mary May. Carolyn’s dedication to her girls was unwavering, and her positive influence is evident in the loving and compassionate young women her grandchildren have become.

Carolyn leaves behind her husband, John Dodd, daughter, Jennifer D. Luton (Brad), son, Patrick W. Dodd (Anne Marie), and granddaughters, Elisabeth Anne Snell, Hallie Wingate Dodd, and Mary May Luton. She also leaves behind her beloved brothers and sisters-in-law, nephews, and nieces.

Carolyn (Buzby, Sista, Mommy, Form, Grandma, Nina, Aunt Carolyn, Miss Carolyn) embodied a true servant’s heart. She will forever be missed and always remembered.

Visitation will be held for Carolyn on April 18, 2026, from 2:30 PM until 4:00 PM at Schaeffer Memorial Chapel (7877 Poplar Ave., Germantown, TN). A private memorial service will follow at 4:30 PM.

In place of flowers, please consider a donation to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.