Carolyn Zeanah

1927 - 2025

Carolyn Eulaine McCraken Zeanah, formerly of Tuscaloosa, died November 12 in Huntsville. She was born in 1927, the oldest daughter of Eula Graham McCracken and Phister McCracken both who preceded her in death. She attended schools in Greene and Tuscaloosa Counties and graduated from Holt High School in 1945. She then earned B.S and M.A. degrees from The University of Alabama.

Her father passed away in 1935 when she was seven years old. She was then surrounded by a large extended family of aunts, uncles and grandparents who provided support and love, making an indelible impression on her. Several years after her father's death, her mother married Leon Campbell. As a member of a blended family – a stepfather, a stepbrother (L.C.), and two stepsisters (Mary and Betty) – she learned more about love of family and being needed by each other.

In 1947 she married her high school sweetheart, Clyde Martin Zeanah, who preceded her in death. Together they worked in several public-school systems in Alabama including Jackson County, Bibb County, Sulligent, Brookwood, Cullman, Mobile, and Opelika. She was a teacher all her life including after retirement. She continued to be touched by the students she taught, remembering those that she saw were in need and the impact a moment of kindness could have.

She is survived by her sister, Janice McCracken Smelser of Tuscaloosa, Alabama, and her step sister, Betty Mott of Pensacola, Florida. She is also survived by two sons: Robert Clyde Zeanah of Huntsville, Alabama and Jefferson Graham Zeanah of Asheville, North Carolina; and a daughter-in-law Susan Culpepper. She is also survived by three grandchildren: John Robert Zeanah (Cathleen) of Memphis, Tennessee, Samuel Jefferson Zeanah (Alexis Sherman), Los Angeles, California, and Katherine Culpepper Zeanah-Brown of Brisbane, Australia (Steven Zeanah-Brown). In addition, she is survived by six great-grandchildren she was proud of: Margot and Annie (John), Libby and Pearl (Samuel), Lucy and Chloe (Katherine). Survivors also include a large number of nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, donations are requested to The University of Alabama College of Education Clyde and Carolyn Zeanah Endowed scholarship. (Box 870318, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487 or give@ua.edu – under fund choice, select Clyde and Carolyn Zeanah Endowed Scholarship) or donations can be made in her to name to a local food bank of your choice.

The family will be holding a private service.