Carolyn Mae Babb

"For me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. It is better to be with the Lord."

Carolyn Mae Babb, 72, of Kingsport, went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, January 13, 2016. Born in Limestone, she was the daughter of the late Harry E. Hicks and Frona Baines Showman. She and her husband, Herman, resided in Fall Branch for 50 years. Carolyn retired from Greene Valley Developmental Center after 32 years of service. She sang Southern Gospel Music with the Joyaires for 30 years. Carolyn was a member of Tri-Cities Baptist Church in Gray and a former member of Double Springs Baptist Church where she sang in the church choir, served as church clerk and served in youth ministry for many years.

Carolyn loved children and was called Mamaw Babb by many. She loved Jesus, her family and served others in her community.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Herman L. Babb on January 14, 2014; and 7 brothers and sisters, John Hicks, Paul Hicks, Herbert Hicks, Francis Chase, Zella Nunley, JD Hicks and Bobby Hicks.

Carolyn is survived by her daughter, Suzanne Nelson and husband, Larry; grandson, Dustin Nelson and wife, Rebecca; 2 great-grandchildren, Dylan and Oliver Nelson; sister, Sue Phelps; brother, Byrl Hicks and wife, Linda of Riverside, CA; and many nieces and nephews.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the entire staff of Wexford House for the care and love they gave Carolyn.

The family will receive friends on Saturday from 12-1:00 pm at Hamlett-Dobson Funeral Home, Kingsport. The funeral service will follow at 1:00 pm with Pastor Mike Laughrun, Dr. Daniel Broyles and Dustin Nelson officiating. Burial will follow at Sulphur Springs Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to the Tri-Cities Leadership Training Program. The Tri-Cities Leadership Training Program formally trains, equips, and networks local church leaders, pastors, and missionaries. Please make checks out to Tri-Cities Baptist Church, memo "In Memory of Carolyn Babb", 171 Promise Land Drive, Gray, TN 37615.

Cemetery Details