Mrs. Carolyn Butcher, 74, of Bradyville passed away on January 21, 2026. She was born on June 11, 1951, in Woodbury, Tennessee. She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert Wesley McMahan and Lucille Pittman McMahan and by her brothers, Clyde McMahan and Bobby McMahan.

She is survived by her husband, James “Jimmy” Butcher, daughter, Shirlene (Jerry) Lyles, sisters, Nita (Billy) Cantrell, Wauline (Hilton) Wall, and Vanessa (Scott) McMahan, granddaughter, Bionca (Bret) Waller, great granddaughter, Evyn Waller, and numerous, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Carolyn was the fifth of six children. She was the first of her siblings to be born in a hospital. They were a hardworking, closeknit, and very country family. Playing in the woods all day and going swimming in the pond were good pastimes, as long as her parents didn’t find out. They may not have been the richest in the sense of money but, they made up for it with love and fun. From an early age she was trained up in the church to know and love God. They attended Woodbury Seventh Day Adventist from her childhood. Staying active and close with her church family. 

Carolyn was a friendly, cut up with a smile that could light up a room and warm any heart. That smile must have caught the eye of her future husband, Jimmy. Between that and her fun-loving personality, they made a good match. His quick-witted humor helped keep things light and they always had a good time. They worked well enough together to be blessed with 43 years of marriage. In this day and age, it isn’t often people like and love each other enough to stay together.

She was blessed with a baby girl. Shirlene was her only child and as such got the advantages that came with it. The full measure of love and attention were showered on her little girl. That full measure carried over into the next two generations. Shirlene has one daughter, and one granddaughter. Having three girls in the family meant shopping trips to her favorite retail therapy store, Marshall’s. Those trips allowed them time to bond.

She enjoyed the simple things in life. Getting her hands a little dirty working in her flowers at home. Sitting back watching the hummingbirds zip back and forth between the feeders. Listening to classic country music from Ricky Van Shelton and Bobby Vinton. Whenever she could, casting a line in the water to see what was biting was on a short list of things she loved. It didn’t matter if she was sitting on the riverbank or trolling around in the boat. She loved reeling in a big bass or crappie. Just being outside and enjoying all God has created with the company of family and friends was just her speed.

Apparently truck driving ran in their blood. Her dad, brother, and other family drove trucks for a living. It wouldn’t have been a surprise to think she would work for a trucking company too. Although she didn’t drive one, she worked in the front office of McCormick Trucking for over 24 years.

She was always happiest when her “little family” as she called them was together. The laughs and the love were overflowing and her heart was full. They can reflect on all the wonderful memories they had together and rest easy knowing she is waiting for them in heaven.

Visitation will be held at Gentry-Smith Funeral Home on Friday, January 23, 2026, from 11-2 pm. Funeral services will be Friday, January 23, 2026, at 2 pm in the Gentry-Smith Funeral Home chapel. Dennis Clark will officiate. Interment will be in Pleasant View Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be given to the Pleasant View Cemetery Fund. Share condolences and stories at www.gentrysmithfuneralhome.com Gentry-Smith Funeral Home, 303 Murfreesboro Rd. Woodbury, TN 37190, 615-563-5337. Because every life has a story.