Carolyn Jones Braswell

Carolyn Jones Braswell, 78, of Newland, NC, passed away early Monday morning March 23rd, 2026 in Elizabethton, TN.

Carolyn was born on April Fool's Day in the year 1947 in Banner Elk, NC, to Newton & Iva Lee Jones. She attended Crossnore High School. At 16, she married James Burleson. A few years later, they welcomed their daughter Tammy Burleson when they were stationed in Fort Hood, TX. Eventually, after moving closer to home, Carolyn worked with her sister Shirley Crisco at the Pump House in Charlotte, NC. After moving to Quimby, SC she worked for the local housing authority. After moving back to Charlotte, she worked as a switchboard operator for Pritchard Paint & Glass. After the sudden and unexpected death of her husband James, Carolyn remained in Charlotte and began employment at Tody Brown's & The Thoroughbred Lounge, where she dedicated several years of work. This is also where she met her late husband, William Braswell. She and William remained married until his passing in 2022.

Carolyn was known to be a sassy spitfire who wore her emotions all over her face. Her laugh was infectious, and her attention to detail will be remembered forever. She never forgot a birthday, anniversary, or important event of loved ones. She kept Hallmark in business for decades. Carolyn's phone stayed hot with the latest story, opening with "I tried to call you, but I never did get no answer", and always ended with an "I love you!" Her baking skills were unmatched, and her hosting talents were remarkable. Her presence will be deeply missed by everyone who had the exceptional luck to cross paths with her.

She was a wonderful example of a daughter, sister, mother, nana, and friend.

There will never be another like her.

Carolyn is survived by her daughter Tammy Burleson, grandchildren Danielle (Scott) Carpenter, Shawn (Andrea) Braswell, great grandchildren Everett & Estelle Carpenter, April Little, Ellie & Lucy Braswell, Zach, Lily, Tristan, and Zoey Asso, sisters Judy (VJ) Storie, Nona (Barry) Kirby, Katherine (Sam) Nugent, brother Bernie Burleson.

Carolyn is preceded in death by her father and mother, Newton & Iva Lee Jones, her uncle and aunt Earl & Colleen Pittman, her uncle Roy Jones, her sister Shirley (Nookie) Jones Crisco, her husbands James Burleson, and William (Phillip) Braswell.

A graveside service will be held at Ashley (Johnson) Cemetery off Chestnut Dale Rd in Newland, NC on April 4th, 2026 at NOON.

Afterwards, a celebration of life will be held at The Event Barn, located at

1600 Jonas Ridge Highway, Newland, NC 28657 at 2 PM.

Food & refreshments will be provided.

In Lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Avery County Senior Center of Newland, NC.