Carol June Cronenweth-Lieu

1938 - 2022

Carol June Cronenweth-Lieu (aka Carolyn June Ervin) of Malibu, Calif., passed away on Sunday, July 31, 2022. Born Dec. 27, 1938, in Athens to Rob and Thelma Ervin, Carol grew up in a close-knit family with sisters Bobby, Peggy, and Judy Ervin. She graduated from McMinn High School in 1957 leading her basketball team in scoring as a point guard, and was lead majorette for the football team. She attended Bowling Green University before packing up and heading out west at the age of 19. Shortly after arriving in Los Angeles, Calif., she met and married cinematographer, Jordan Cronenweth. They started their family in the San Fernando Valley then moved to Malibu, where she spent the next 47 years heavily involved in the community. She served several years as PTA president. She was the first woman baseball and basketball coach, president of the Real Estate Association, a local agent, and co-owner of boutique, Malibu Rags, to name a few achievements. In 1978, she remarried to computer designer Kent Lieu. Carol gave her time generously and was a mother figure and mentor to many. She was the embodiment of a strong female way before her time. Behind her magnetic smile was a fiercely determined, southern grit. She was an inspiration to those around her, and a truly unstoppable force. A fighter to the end, her legacy and contributions to the betterment of the lives she touched will resonate for generations. She was preceded in death by Jordan Cronenweth, Kent Lieu, stepson Scott Lieu, her sisters and parents. Still celebrating her life are son Jeff Cronenweth and Loan Nguyen; son, Tim Cronenweth and wife, Dr. Julie Edween; daughter, Christie Cronenweth and husband, Stacy Jones; foster daughter, Judy Crary; granddaughter, Skylar Cronenweth; step-grandchildren, Skylar Ward, and Adam and Ryan Houtz; great-great-grandchild, Charlie Houtz; and first cousin, Tommy Clayton. A Celebration of her Life will be held on March 19, 2023. Please send an email to cronenwethlaw@yahoo.com to receive an invitation. There will be a webinar link available to those who are too far away to attend. Announcement made courtesy of Smith Funeral & Cremation Services of Athens.