Graham, Carolyn Ellis

A Founder, Owner And Pioneer Of Cherokee Carpet Mills

  • Saturday, September 3, 2022
V. Carolyn Ellis Graham
V. Carolyn Ellis Graham
V. Carolyn Ellis Graham, 71, of Dalton, Georgia, passed on Friday, September 2, 2022, with her husband by her side. 

Carolyn was a beloved daughter, sister, aunt, stepmom, and grandmother.

Carolyn was born on January 18, 1951 in Chattanooga, TN. She spent her entire young life in the beautiful Trenton, Ga community. She was a 1969 graduate of Dade County High School. She completed college before beginning her successful career in the flooring industry. Her flooring experience began with J&J and Conquest Industries. Carolyn became one of the founders and owners of Cherokee Carpet Mills (a full carpet manufacturing company). She was responsible for international sales and marketing. Carolyn traveled the world. She was pioneering business opportunities in countries during a time when women did not conduct business on their own. Her travels included Saudi Arabia, Qatar, all of Europe, all of the Americas, Australia, Asia including China, SE Asia as far as Singapore. Carolyn was a pillar in the international flooring business.

Carolyn was preceded in death by her parents, Walter and Virginia Durham of Trenton, Ga.

Carolyn is survived by her husband, Gary Graham of Dalton, GA; sister, Brenda (Charles) Poe of Chattanooga; nieces, Sheri Greene Charman of Chattanooga, and Emily Collier of Chattanooga; stepchildren, Paige Gardenhire of Chattanooga, Chet Graham of Chattanooga, and Rich Graham of Ringgold, GA. As well as grand nieces, nephew, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

A visitation will be held from 4-6 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 6, at Chattanooga Funeral Home – East Chapel. A funeral service will be held at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 6, at the funeral home.

Memorial donations may be made to Alzheimer’s Association.

Please share condolences with the family at www.ChattanoogaEastChapel.com.

Arrangements by Chattanooga Funeral Home – East Chapel, 404 S. Moore Road, East Ridge, Tn. 37412.

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