Carol Poe

Carol Tapner Poe, 68, beloved wife, mother, sister and friend, died gracefully at home on Friday, Sept. 6, 2024, surrounded by her loving family.

The daughter of the late Shirley Beetham and John "Jack" Tapner, Carol was born Dec. 14, 1955, in Detroit. Her life was a testament to love, kindness, resilience and joy. She approached life with compassion, laughter and an enthusiasm that touched everyone she met. She loved her two sons without reservation and delighted in her grandchildren.

Carol married the love of her life, Charles Alfred "Chuck" Poe on July 31, 1976, in Detroit. After their 1979 move from Northville, MI, to Athens, she developed her keen business sense, opening the antique store "POE-pourri" in downtown Athens. Soon, she and Chuck started their plastics business, True Form, where she was business manager and accountant. She was a 40-year member of the Xi Delta Iota chapter of Beta Sigma Phi, where she served in many capacities, and held the position of vice president upon her death.

Carol put her marketing and organizational skills to good use as cofounder of Cottonfest, the annual bluegrass festival fundraiser for pancreatic cancer research. She was an active volunteer with Grace and Mercy Ministries, and a member of Keith Memorial UMC.

Affectionately called "Carabella" by her many friends, she was a creative force. Her love of art, including watercolor, pottery and decorating, spilled over into everything she did. Carol especially loved planning parties, creating tablescapes and entertaining her family and friends. Her legacy of generosity will continue to inspire.

She continued her education in the arts at Tennessee Wesleyan University. At the age of 48, Carol fulfilled her lifelong dream of learning to sing and play guitar, a pastime that soon included songwriting.

In addition to her parents, Carol was preceded in death by her in-laws, Alfred Poe, and Naomi Poe, whom she cared for for several years.

Besides her loving husband of 48 years, Carol leaves behind to cherish her memory her two sons, Jesse Poe (Sarah) of Spring Hill and Matthew Poe (Ashley) of Athens; her grandchildren, Nolan Poe, Bianca Poe and Harrison Poe; her bonus grandson, Cayden Maynard; her brother James "Jim" Tapner (Paula); two brothers-in-law, William "Bill" Poe (Kem) and Alfred "Al" Poe (Christine "Chris"); one sister, Sandra Snethan (Paul) and many other relatives and dear friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Grace and Mercy Ministries, 714 Walter St., Athens, TN 37303, in Carol's memory.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.