Carolyn Jean Ricks

Carolyn Jean Blackburn Ricks, 87, of Marion, passed away Sunday, May 4, 2025, at Rose Hill Retirement Community.

Carolyn was born in Greene County, Tennessee, to the late Melba Edith Barlow and William Leland Blackburn. She was married to the late Robert Tate, who passed away in 1976; and then to the late Jim Ricks, who passed away in 1985. Carolyn grew up in Bulls Gap and Knoxville, TN. At an early age, she won “Little Miss Bulls Gap.” She attended the University of Tennessee and enjoyed watching Tennessee and UNC football and basketball. In the mid to late eighties, she was the director of daycare at the First United Methodist Church in Marion. Carolyn enjoyed crafts, and for several years, she was the co-owner and operator of the Heartstrings craft store. Carolyn was a teller at several banks in the Marion community. In 2002, she retired as head teller at 5/3rd Bank. Carolyn loved working in her flower garden and took great pride in her yard. She loved dogs and also loved to cook. Carolyn was a wonderful mother and grandmother who will always be loved and remembered.

Those left to cherish her memory include two sons, Scott Tate (Crystal) and Wade Tate; a granddaughter, Heather; four great grandchildren; and a special caregiver, Pam Smith.

A private memorial service will be held at a later date.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Care Partners Hospice and the staff of Rose Hill Retirement Community for the compassionate care they provided.