Carol Ann Easterday

Carol Ann Easterday, age 81, of Knoxville, Tennessee entered heaven to be with Jesus Saturday morning, July 19, 2025.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Boyd and Dorothy (King) Hobby; Jack Easterday, her loving and devoted husband of 58 years; and her daughters, Julia Ann Easterday and Dr. Angela Easterday Holder.

Carol's life revealed great inner strength during a challenging journey with Multiple Sclerosis and the deaths of two daughters and her husband. Her radiant smile never faded but remained as she focused on her love for her Lord and her friends of all ages. Carol expressed her deep love for God through music, which was consistent with her joyous daily walk with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Carol is survived by her loving nieces Renee Franks, Gina Johnston, and Lisa Lowery. Carol considered her life-long friends, known as the Gang, to be her "family" who walked with her through her journey in life.

Carol attended Inskip Elementary and Norwood Elementary. She was a 1962 graduate of Central High School. In Carol's early adulthood, she served as the office receptionist at the Wallace Memorial Baptist Church. Carol was later employed for fifteen years as a secretary at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

Carol began playing the piano as a young child. In her teenage years, Carol taught piano lessons at her home in Norwood. During piano lessons, her yellow canary would sing while students played their assigned music during their piano lesson. Without air-conditioning in those years, neighbors could hear Carol practicing her music and her students during their piano lessons.

Carol excelled in piano and while still a teenager, she became the pianist of the Wallace Memorial Baptist Church, where she served in this role for 66 years. In addition to being the pianist for Sunday worship services, Carol played the piano for a multitude of weddings and funerals. As a young adult, Carol's music ministry at Wallace Memorial extended to being both an accompanist and chaperon for the Wallace Youth Choir.

Carol was quick to give praise to God for His gift of music to her. Throughout her years as a pianist, Carol let her joy brilliantly shine through her smile as she played. Upon Carol's 40th Anniversary as pianist, the Wallace Memorial congregation dedicated a new Grand Balwin piano to the church in Carol's honor.

Her dedication and servant spirit continued to be reflected in her everyday life, even in her final days of life. Wallace Memorial members of every age loved Carol. And Carol returned her love to everyone. During her declining years while hospitalized, Carol's words to nurses, doctors, and all other health care personnel as they departed her room were, "Thank you and God bless you."

The memory of Carol Easterday will forever remain in the hearts of those touched by her presence in their lives. She will be remembered by her gentle spirit which would light up the room when she arrived. Her infectious smile and joyous spirit made everyone feel loved.

Acknowledgements of grateful hearts are expressed to the management and staff at Windsor Ridge Assisted Living for their compassionate care and daily expressions of love given to Carol as a resident. Each of you brought joy and comfort to Carol in her final days in life.

Acknowledgements of sincere gratitude are also expressed to Ft. Sanders Hospice Services for your professional and tender care to Carol during her declining months.

Carol's final days with us were at Sacred Ground Hospice House where Carol was tenderly cared for and her visitors were ministered to with love and compassion until Carol's final breath before going to be with Jesus.

Arrangements to remember and celebrate Carol's life will be Monday, July 21, 2025, at the Wallace Memorial Baptist Church, 701 Merchants Drive, Knoxville TN. The casket will be available for viewing in the Worship Center from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. The Celebration of Life service will follow at 7:00 p.m. with Dr. John Green, Dr. Jim McCluskey and Rev. Kent Williams officiating.

Family and friends will gather at the Lynnhurst Cemetery, 2300 Adair Dr. Knoxville TN 37918, Wednesday, July 23 for the 11:00 a.m. interment with Dr. Jim McCluskey officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: Carson-Newman University Music Department. (Send to: Carson-Newman University, Attention: Angela Easterday Holder Worship Leadership Endowment, P.O. Box 557, Jefferson City, TN 37760).

Stevens Mortuary, 1304 Oglewood Ave. at North Broadway, Knoxville TN 37917 is serving the family. Ms. Easterday's guest book is available at www.stevensmortuaryinc.com