Carol Stein
Carol Anne Dietzen Stein, 75, of Chattanooga, died on Monday, March 23, 2015.
She was born in Chattanooga and attended the Missionary Ridge Grammar School and Girls’ Preparatory School. She received both Bachelor and Master of Arts Degrees and graduated with high honors from the University of Tennessee.
Ever a rebel who wanted to play baseball and follow in the footsteps of the three older brothers and father whom she admired, Carol’s childhood nickname was “Johnny”. Her spirited sensibility continued to define her adult persona.
Carol was a member of Phi Mu Sorority and a congregant of Pilgrim Congregational Church, Chattanooga. She volunteered at the Adult Education Council and at the Chattanooga Regional History Museum. Her profession as an English teacher included a long tenure both at Girls’ Preparatory School and at Notre Dame High School. She was a voracious reader and meticulous writer and grammarian. Her acerbic wit, keen mind, and concern for all sentient beings inspired generations of students at both schools, many of whom became teachers themselves. She enthusiastically embraced the rich tradition of southern U.S. literature and was active in bringing the first annual Celebration of Southern Literature to Chattanooga.
Carol’s letters to the editor of the Chattanooga Times Free Press expressed an uncommon liberal viewpoint and captured the attention of many readers. Her debates with her equally contemplative yet more conservative father-in-law, J. Gilbert Stein, enlivened many a gathering in the Stein family.
Carol was preceded in death by her parents the Honorable W.N. “Buck” Dietzen and Bess Mankin Dietzen; and brothers, RADM USN W. N. “Buck” Dietzen, C. Richard Dietzen, and J. William “Bill” Dietzen; in-laws, J. Gilbert Stein and Evelyn T. Stein; as well as by her beloved husband. J. Douglass “Doug” Stein.
She is survived by her children, Kathy Boykin Semmes (Raphael) of Alexandria, Va., Eric Stein of Waupun, Wi., Elizabeth Stein Aguilar (Sergio) of Nashville, and J. Adam Stein of Chattanooga; grandchildren, Ginna Douglass Semmes and Hannah Semmes of Alexandria, Va., and Elliott Aguilar of Nashville; sisters-in-law, Martha Drennen Dietzen, Wilma Richey Dietzen and June Harris Stein of Chattanooga; nieces and nephews, Sharon Strasbaugh of San Diego, Ca., W.N. “Nick” Dietzen of Ponte Vedra, Fl., Dr. Richard Dietzen of El Dorado, Ar., Capt. USN John Dietzen of Jacksonville, Fl., Beth Dietzen of Chattanooga, Ginger Stein McArver of Gastonia, N.C., F. Douglass “Doug” Stein, and Taylor Stein of Chattanooga.
A family graveside service will be held at Forest Hills Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Monday, April 20, at 6 p.m., at the Hunter Museum of American Art, Chattanooga.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Save the Children of Fairfield Ct., Habitat for Humanity, or Amnesty International.
Visit www.heritagefh.com to share words of comfort to the family.
Arrangements are by Heritage Funeral Home, 7454 East Brainerd Road, Chattanooga, Tn. 37421.