Carolyn Kerr Hickerson
Carolyn Kerr Hickerson, 89, passed away on Wednesday evening, January 5, 2022, in Chattanooga after a brief illness.
She was active throughout her life in supporting children and youth, ultimately impacting thousands of people through her work in the Boy Scouts, at church and through her career as a teacher.
A third-generation, lifelong member of First Christian Church, Disciples of Christ, Chattanooga, Carolyn served for many years as a mentor for the touring Junior Choir during the late 80s and as a Sunday School teacher, children’s time leader, deaconess, elder, and two-time chairman of the board. In recent years she also led the Christian Women’s Fellowship.
Carolyn was an active volunteer with the Boy Scouts of America for more than half a century, serving as a den and pack leader, a day camp leader and instructor for the National Camping School, and a member of the board of the Cherokee Area Council. For her outstanding service at the council and regional levels, she was awarded the prestigious Silver Fawn in 1972 and the Silver Antelope in 1991. She also received the God & Service Award from the Boy Scouts of America in 1996.
Carolyn graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in 1954 and received a Master’s degree in English literature from Auburn University in 1955, both on academic scholarships. Before her marriage, she taught for the public schools in Carrabelle, Florida and subsequently in White Bluff, Tennessee. Later she taught lower school English for a decade at the Girls’ Preparatory School in Chattanooga.
Carolyn was preceded in death by her husband, Robert I. Hickerson, and her son, Mark David Hickerson.
She is survived by her sons, Alan and Keith Hickerson, by her sister, Nancy K. Dobbs, and by her nieces and nephews Gail Dobbs, Jennifer Hill, and Wesley Dobbs.
Because of the recent increases in Covid cases in the area, the family will not be holding a separate visitation period.
There will be a brief funeral service at 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 11, at Hamilton Funeral Home chapel, immediately followed by interment at the Chattanooga National Cemetery at 12:30 p.m.
The family asks that those attending take appropriate precautions to protect their own health as we celebrate Carolyn’s life.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to your favorite charity.
Arrangements are by Hamilton Funeral Home and Cremation Services; 4506 Hixson Pike, 423 531-3975.