Carolyn Jane Humberd Ellis, 70, passed away Thursday, June 30, 2022 at her residence, with her husband, daughters and family by her side. She was born Feb. 9, 1952 to Thelma and “Poss” Humberd. Her battle with cancer never stopped her from putting others first.
She graduated from the University of Tennessee in 1974 and began a teaching career that lasted 40 years. All those years were spent at Taylor Elementary School, 39 years teaching third grade. She was teacher of the year and was a published author and mentor to numerous teachers. She was a reading advocate and proofreader to many. Carolyn was an avid dancer, dedicated gardener and an amazing storyteller. She entertained many over the years.
Carolyn was a member at Broad Street United Methodist Church where she attended Bible Study and Sunday School and loved fellowship with others. Her dream of becoming a Nana was fulfilled in 2019 when a miracle was born.
The matriarch is survived by her husband of 46 years, Jimmy Ellis; daughters, Jami (Scott) Thomason and Jennifer Ellis; bonus grandchildren, Molly and Ethan Thomason; granddaughter, Junilee Thomason; siblings, Larry and “caregiving” Susan Humberd; brother-in-law, Jerry Ellis; special sisters-in-law and caregivers, Judy Shamblin and Jana Casteel; nieces, Amy (Darryl) Farkas and Shara (John) Troutner; great nephews, Alex London, Nate Smith, Carter Casteel, Cooper Casteel and Keegan and Knox Farkas; and great nieces, Karley and Khloe Farkas.
Preceding Carolyn in death were her parents, Thelma and Calvin “Poss” Humberd; mother-in-law, Virginia Davis; father-in-law, James Ellis; step father-in-law, William Davis; nephew, Joshua Humberd; and great-nephew, Kaiden Farkas.
The Celebration of Carolyn’s life will be held Tuesday, July 5 at 6:15 p.m. at Broad Street United Methodist Church, with the family receiving friends two hours prior to service time from 4-6 p.m. Pastor Betsy Denton and Pastor Victor Lee will be officiating. Interment will be held the following morning, Wednesday, July 6 at 11 a.m. at the Sugar Creek Cemetery, with Sean Caywood, Adam Casteel, Darryl Farkas, John Troutner, Alex Smith, Joshua London Smith, Nate Smith and Keegan Farkas serving as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers are Carter Casteel, Cooper Casteel and Knox Farkas.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Taylor Elementary School Library Fund, 5265 Bates Pike SE, Cleveland, TN 37323 in memory of Carolyn Ellis and the Sugar Creek Cemetery Fund.
Share a memory of Carolyn and/or personal condolences with her family by visiting her memorial webpage and guestbook at www.companionfunerals.com.
Companion Funeral Home is honored to assist her family with these arrangements.