Carolyn Hobbs Irwin
Carolyn Hobbs Irwin, 92, of Clinton passed away peacefully Feb. 16, 2025, on the 62nd wedding anniversary of her marriage to her beloved husband, David.
Born in Harlan, Kentucky, on Dec. 5, 1932, Carolyn attended Eastern Kentucky State University for a year before transferring to the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, where she was a member of Kappa Delta sorority. She graduated from UTK in 1954. In the early 1960s, she met her future husband, David, and they were married Feb. 16, 1963.
Carolyn worked as an extension agent for Anderson County and taught home economics at Lake City High School and Anderson County High School.
She took great pride in teaching students the art of cooking, sewing and household management. As an extension agent, she led Anderson County 4-H clubs and helped many students succeed in competitions. Her dedication to teaching and mentoring meant that few places she visited were without someone stopping to say how her work had shaped their lives.
A longtime member of Andersonville United Methodist Church, where she served as a Sunday School teacher for most of more than 60 years, Carolyn was also active in several local community organizations.
Carolyn cherished her family and treasured the memories of gatherings with loved ones.
She often recalled her childhood in Harlan and her single days in Oak Ridge when it was still a new city.
She took immense pride in her granddaughter, Katherine, celebrating her accomplishments and the joy she brought to her life.
She was preceded in death by her son, Robert David Irwin; her parents, Germa and Margaret Hobbs; and her niece, Karen Erickson. She is survived by her husband, David R. Irwin; daughter, Anne Irwin Buhl (Hector Padilla); granddaughter, Katherine Buhl; son-in-law, Joseph Buhl; niece, Elaine (Ed) Meyer; grand-niece, Lindsey (Jason) Meyer Gallaher; grand-nephews, John Meyer (Sara) and Will Meyer (Molly); great-grandnephews, Meyer and Parker Gallaher; great-grandnieces, Rese, Avery and Landry; special cousins, Carol Cousins (Ervin Ball) and Beverly Stooksbury Leither; and special friends, William and Kathy Justice.
Pallbearers were John Meyer, Will Meyer, Jason Gallaher, Hector Padilla, Katherine Buhl and Hal Cousins.
The funeral was held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025, at Holley-Gamble Funeral Home, with a processional to Norris Memorial Gardens for a graveside service. Friends and family gathered for a reception from noon to 2:30 p.m. at the Museum of Appalachia immediately following the graveside service.
Memorial contributions may be made in her name to the Museum of Appalachia, P.O. Box 1189, Norris, Tennessee 37828, or to a scholarship fund in her name.
Checks should be made payable to Anderson County High School, c/o Carolyn Irwin Scholarship Fund, 130 Maverick Circle, Clinton, Tennessee 37716.
Holley Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton was in charge of all arrangements.
holleygamble.com.
