Carolyn Ross Brakefield was born on September 20, 1933 in Columbia, Mississippi to Edna Lott Ross and John Maxie Ross. She passed away on February 10, 2025 at the age of 91.
Carolyn was a registered nurse, earning her diploma from Charity Hospital in New Orleans, LA. While in New Orleans, she met the love of her life, Jim Brakefield, who was attending Tulane Medical School at the time. They married in July of 1956 and enjoyed fifty-nine years of marriage. Jim preceded her in death in 2016.
Carolyn was a devoted wife and mother who enjoyed keeping house and raising her children, cooking delicious meals including the occasional sugar biscuits for breakfast, arranging flowers, and gardening. She loved serving her family and friends and enjoyed opening her home to others. Carolyn was an accomplished artist and delighted in painting oils and pastels, exploring and mastering color. She saw beauty in all of God’s creation and brought that beauty into her life and surroundings.
Nurturing children was an integral part of Carolyn’s life. As a pediatric nurse, mother, and grandmother, she used her gift of knowing how to engage and play with little ones. Children were naturally drawn to her. Carolyn loved Bible stories and shared them with children to enrich young lives.
For over 69 years, she was a dedicated, active member at Nashville First Baptist Church where she served in multiple capacities. She was also instrumental in ministry work, including Nashville Christian Women’s Club, Bible Study Fellowship, The Next Door, and Room in the Inn. Her dedication to service helped these ministries launch, grow, and thrive for God’s Kingdom. One of Carolyn’s great joys was serving with Jim as short-term missionaries in the US and around the world.
Carolyn and Jim enjoyed traveling and spending time with their family and friends. The house they shared with so many on Old Hickory Lake was a place of delight. In their later years, they moved to Richland Place and thrived there. The family is grateful to the staff at Richland Place for providing meaningful services and programs.
Her care and concern for others were hallmarks of her life. She was often and routinely described as a beautiful Christian woman who radiated joy. She leaves behind a legacy of serving others and being a great friend, a wonderful wife, and an even better mother. She will be greatly missed by many.
Carolyn was the loving mother of four children, Eleanor Wells (Chris), Patrick Brakefield (Stephanie), Caroline Rochford (Trey), and Betsy Funk (Sam). She adored her eleven grandchildren, David Wells (Meredith), John Wells (Alayna), Hendrix Brakefield (Logan), Anna Claire Britton (Cameron), Braxton Brakefield (Brueck), Mary Cayten Brakefield, Ross Rochford, Luke Rochford, Mary Caroline Funk, Lucy Funk, and Hattie Funk. Carolyn was blessed with precious great-grandchildren, Henry Wells, Eliza Wells, James Wells, Leighton Wells, Alice Wells, Jack Wells, Mary Turner Britton, James Britton, Lee Britton, Bobby Grace Brakefield and Murrell Brakefield. She is also survived by her brother, Pat Ross (Ann), and four nieces, Staci Daniels (Tim), LeAnne Howard, Patti Dickerson (Jimmy), and Jamie Petro (Marc). Carolyn also leaves behind many beloved cousins and friends.
The family is incredibly grateful for the exceptional and loving care provided by the staff at Abe’s Garden where Carolyn lived since 2022. The family also appreciates the outstanding care delivered by Alive Hospice.
Visitation will be held on Friday, February 14 at Nashville First Baptist Church, 7th and Broadway, from 9:30 am until the memorial service at 11:00 am. Lunch in Fellowship Hall will follow the service.
We invite all who attend this celebration of Carolyn’s life to wear brightly colored clothing to reflect her next work of art and her new heavenly garden.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial contribution to Abe’s Garden Community, The Next Door, Nashville First Baptist Church, or a charity of your choice.
To leave a condolence, or share a memory of Carolyn, please visit the Tribute Wall. https://www.austinfuneralservice.com
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