Carolyn Hobbs Irwin, 92, of Clinton passed away peacefully on February 16th, 2025, which was the 62nd wedding anniversary of her marriage to her beloved husband, David.

Carolyn was born in Harlan, KY on December 5th, 1932. She attended Eastern Kentucky State University for a year. She then transferred to the University of Tennessee, Knoxville where she was a member of Kappa Delta Sorority. She graduated from UTK in 1954. In the early 1960's, she met her future husband, David. They were married on February 16th, 1963.

She was an extension agent for Anderson County and a Home Economics teacher at Lake City and Anderson County High Schools. She took great pride in teaching students the art of cooking, sewing and managing a household. As an extension agent, she led the 4-H Clubs in Anderson County, and was very proud to have helped numerous students compete and win in their competitions. Because of her dedication to teaching and mentoring, she could seldom go anywhere without someone recognizing her and telling her how she shaped their life with her work.

She was a member of Andersonville United Methodist Church for over 60 years where she served as a Sunday School teacher for most of that time. She was also very active as a member of several local community organizations.

Carolyn loved her family and treasured her memories of gatherings with them. She spoke often of her childhood in Harlan and of her single days living in Oak Ridge when it was still a new city. She took great pride in her granddaughter, Katherine, cherishing her accomplishments and the joy she brought to her life.

She was preceded in death by her son, Robert David Irwin, parents, Germa and Margaret Hobbs, and 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 (Molly) Meyer, great-grand nephews Meyer and Parker Gallaher, great-grandnieces Rese, Avery and Landry, special cousins Carol Cousins (Ervin Ball) and Beverly Stooksbury Leither, special friends William and Kathy Justice.

Pallbearers: John Meyer, Will Meyer, Jason Gallaher, Hector Padilla, Katherine Buhl, Hal Cousins.

Funeral Service will be held at 10:00am Saturday, February 22rd at Holley Gamble Funeral Home with a processional to Norris Memorial Gardens for a graveside service. Friends and family are invited to a reception from 12:00 – 2:30 at the Museum of Appalachia immediately following the graveside service.

Memorial contributions may be made in her name to the Museum of Appalachia, PO Box 1189 Norris, TN 37828 or to a scholarship fund in her name: Checks written to Anderson County High School, C/O Carolyn Irwin Scholarship Fund, 130 Maverick Circle, Clinton, TN 37716. Holley Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton is in charge of all arrangements.  holleygamble.com