Martha Carolyn Ervin, age 74, passed away on March 29th at her home in Nashville. She was a longtime Memphian who graduated from Central High School and from the University of Memphis, where she was an active member of Delta Zeta sorority.
For many years Carolyn worked for the Tennessee Department of Human Services as a social worker, placing children in foster homes and following up diligently on their welfare. Some of the children, foster parents, and birth parents stayed in touch with her after her retirement in 2006. Her fellow workers, especially younger ones, looked to Carolyn as an example of how to best serve their clients. Her job was truly her passion.
Physically active until her failing health, Carolyn had a strong competitive edge. She loved a good game of softball, football, or golf, and pulled ferociously for the Memphis Tigers basketball teams, both men’s and women’s. She enjoyed riding her bike in her neighborhood, often with a sister or friend. A lover of animals, she befriended several stray cats that crossed her path.
She had a kind heart, a generous spirit, and a keen wit. Her gifts for telling hilarious stories, belting out her favorite country songs (especially by Dolly and Patsy), and cutting loose with some pretty cool dance moves could keep folks laughing till the wee hours of the morning. She loved new cars, new Nikes, and her mother’s cornbread dressing.
She leaves four siblings including Gloria Lynch (John) of Wilmington, NC; Donna Tisdale (Tom) of Cleveland, TN; Marilyn Sadler of Memphis; and Bill Ervin (Patty) of Memphis; a dear friend, Katy Finney of Nashville; her nephew, Brock Lynch of Wilmington; her niece, Emily Murphy (Patrick) of Memphis, two great-nieces, Carter and Luci Lynch; her beloved cat, Hillary, and numerous friends and relatives who mourn her passing. She is preceded in death by her parents, Alfred and Ruby Ervin; her sister, Dotti Adams; and her brother-in-law, John Sadler.
Services will be held at Blessed Sacrament Church, 2564 Hale St., at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, April 18th.Visitation will follow from 3-5 p.m. at Memphis Funeral Home on Poplar.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to House of Mews, Books from Birth, or a charity of the donor’s choice.
