Carolyn McMurry Henson

It is with great sadness that the family announces the passing of longtime Stephens County resident and business owner Carolyn Henson. After a brief but courageous battle with cancer, she passed away at Hospice Atlanta on Sunday March 9, 2014. She was 78.

Carolyn was born on December 18, 1935 in Barnesville, Georgia to the late Arnold and Queen McMurry. She was a 1953 graduate of Stephens County High School and spent her early years as a wife and mother.

In the late 1980s, Carolyn started an embroidery business in her home. That project eventually became known as Threads Sportswear & Embroidery in downtown Toccoa. Carolyn had a reputation as a creative genius long before Threads, so her success as businesswoman surprised no one. For more than 20 years, she and her son Chris worked side by side.

Carolyn has left a legacy in Toccoa through her work with Camp Fire Girls, recreational softball coach, and faithful school and community volunteer. For many years she passionately supported the sports programs of her beloved Stephens County Indians. Carolyn was a proud member of Tates Creek Baptist Church.

Known for her kindness and sweet spirit, Carolyn demonstrated this quality even in the most difficult days. Her walk with Jesus was apparent to all that she encountered especially to her doctors, nurses and caregivers. Showing her unique spirit even in hospice, Carolyn was determined to finish the veil, jeweled belt and headband for her granddaughter Lauren's July wedding and she did.

She is survived by her daughter Lynn Henson Chandley, son-in-law David Chandley and granddaughters Lauren and Leah Chandley of Atlanta, son Chris Henson and grandsons Donley and Conlan Henson of Toccoa, nieces and nephews Weldon and Vicki Herron of Toccoa and Tim and Vickie (Henson) Gibson of Lilburn. Carolyn was preceded in death by her husband, Donn Henson.

Family will receive visitors on Monday March 10th from 5pm to 8pm at Acree-Davis Funeral Home in Toccoa. A celebration of her life will be held at 11am on Tuesday March 11th at Tates Creek Baptist Church in Toccoa with the Reverend Jerrell Beatty officiating. The following gentlemen will serve as pallbearers, Mark Thomas, Ed Schaefer, Tim Quick, Chris Posey, Rick Snyder, Mike Van Minos and Weldon Herron.

You can honor Carolyn by making a contribution to the Tates Creek Baptist Church Building Fund, 4052 Highway 184 North, Toccoa, Georgia 30577.

Interment will follow at Stephens Memorial Gardens with the Acree-Davis Funeral Home in charge of the arrangements for Mrs. Carolyn McMurry Henson