Thelma Carr

Thelma Louise Brown Carr was born on November 17, 1923 to her loving parents, Clarence Raymond and Lucille Josephine Brown. She was raised in a Christian family to include two brothers, the late Clarence Wesley and Benjamin Washington Brown. Thelma accepted Jesus as her personal Savior at an early age at St. Paul A.M.E Church on Hall Road in Alcoa. Thelma served in various ministries of the church such as the Missionary Society, YPD, Usher Board and Sunday School to name a few.

Thelma married her beloved husband, James David Carr upon his return from having served in the United States Army in India during World War II. Thelma was a graduate from Tennessee A&I State in Nashville, receiving a Bachelor’s Degree in English. Her husband J.D. was a brick mason by trade and worked with his father Andy Carr, brother and others. Thelma later received her M.S. and Ed. S degrees from U.T. Knoxville. She received several awards and recognitions for dedicated service in education from various local educational advocates and from the State of Tennessee.

She also enjoyed traveling and gathering with family and friends for meals and social events, she was a great hostess.

Thelma was a loving mother, grandmother, great grand mother,aunt, cousin and friend.

Thelma enjoyed many years as a classroom teacher and librarian. Her teaching career started at Charles M. Hall School and continued with the Alcoa City School System until her retirement after 40 years of dedicated service.

She was a Lifetime member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority and an active member of the Book Review Club of Knoxville for more than 40 years; she also volunteered at New Providence Presbyterian Church with the Bartlett Program.

She was preceded in death by her husband, James David, Jr. parents, Clarence and Lucille Brown, In-Laws Andy and Pearl Carr as well as other relatives.

Thelma leaves to cherish her memory, her loving daughter, Rochelle Carr, beloved grandson, Connor Carr, granddaughter in-law Eve Carr, great-grandsons James and Greyson Carr, sisters-in-law Shirley Clowney, Patricia (John) Watkins, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Sincere appreciation to Darlene Suddereth and Nannette Scruggs for their devoted help and support before and throughout Mom's illness. 

Family will receive friends on Saturday November 1, 2025 at St. John Missionary Baptist Church, Alcoa from noon – 1 p.m. with service to follow. Entombment will follow service at Grandview Cemetery, Maryville. The body may be viewed on Friday at Foothills Funeral Home, Maryville from noon – 6 p.m. www.foothilldfh.com