Laura Carroll

Laura Frances Blevins Carroll, 86, of Chattanooga, peacefully passed away Saturday, March 23, 2013, at the home of her daughter and son-in-law, Cindy and Frank Triplett. She had fought a long, hard battle against vascular dementia.She was preceded in death by her husband and soul mate of 60+ years, Milburn L. Carroll; her son, Edward L. "Eddie" Carroll; and her stillborn baby daughter she carried to full term, Rebecca Renee' Carroll. Also preceding her in death were her parents Atwood "A.K." and Eva Blevins; her sister and best friend, Betty Jo Youngblood; and her youngest sister, Julia Pierce.Laura spent the majority of her life as an avid square dancer with membership in the Wrecktangle Square Dance Club at Allemande Hall. In the late 1960's she discovered the hobby of ceramics. She grew this hobby into a business she owned and operated known as the House of Greenware in Red Bank. She joyfully ran this business until her retirement. After they retired, Laura and Milburn found the love of RV camping. They traveled around the country on two different occasions for months at a time, then they settled into their favorite destination of Cumberland Mountain State Park in Crossville. It was here where they met and cherished many friends fondly called "their camping buddies". She enjoyed spending spring and fall at their home away from home with their wonderful friends for weeks at a time. Laura loved to cook and participate in potluck dinners as well as crochet gifts for her friends. She helped Milburn in the garden every year as long as she could and enjoyed canning the "fruits of their labor". Later as her health failed, she had to hang up her dancing shoes but continued to enjoy the fellowship of her square dance club and supported her husbands love of dancing by visiting while he danced. She was a graduate of Central High School, class of 1945 and faithfully attended the reunions. Some of her fondest memories were of when she worked at the Credit Bureau.Her daughter and son-in-law, Cindy and Frank Triplett, survive Laura and have cared for her in their home since Milburns passing in August 2007. Lauras many friends provided emotional support since her husbands death and are her "angels on earth". She will be greatly missed by her two granddogs, Joey and Heidi, who were always at her side, showering her with kisses. Laura has one grandson, Brad Carroll; two granddaughters, Bonnie Carroll Nelson and Becky Carroll; and two great-grandchildren. Eddie's wife, Cindy Orten Carroll, also survives her.Special appreciation would like to be acknowledged to Amedisys Hospice for the help and support they provided for Laura, Cindy and Frank during this difficult time. Cindy and Frank would also like to thank their neighbors and friends for the emotional support, comfort and friendship given to them after the loss of Eddie and Milburn and during the duration of Lauras lingering illness.Laura will always be remembered for her beautiful smile, the twinkle in her eye and her feisty spirit. She was never one to miss an opportunity to spend time with her friends and share a laugh. She loved to listen to "old country" music and could sing like an angel. She touched the lives of many and will be greatly missed but forever remembered.Funeral services are 3 p.m. Wednesday in the chapel with the Rev. Edward Snodgrass officiating, with burial in Chattanooga Memorial Park.Visit www.lanefh.com to share condolences.Visitation is 1-3 p.m. Wednesday at Lane Funeral Home, 601 Ashland Terrace.