Caroline Trabue Reed

Caroline Trabue Reed, a beloved mother, grandmother, sister and friend, passed away peacefully on January 12, 2024, in Nashville surrounded by her loving family. Born January 17, 1944, she was the daughter of the late Caroline Gray Trabue and Laurence O’Bryan Trabue. Survived by her daughter Susan Trabue Quaedvlieg and grandchildren Sjef and Ella Quaedvlieg of Nashville; sisters Anne Trabue Buttrey of Nashville, Lucy Trabue Watson (Elias) of Birmingham; and brother Laurence O’Bryan Trabue Jr of Nashville. She is also survived by nephews David Trabue Buttrey of Nashville and Trae Watson of Huntsville AL and by niece Anne Trabue Watson Nelson (Austin) and their sons Thomas and Holston, all of Charleston SC.

She graduated from The Harpeth Hall School in 1962 and went on to complete her B.A. at the University of Mississippi in 1966 where was a member of the Tri-Delta sorority. Following her college years, Caroline was married to Lawton Terry Stevens, Jr. living in various Naval locations with her favorite being San Diego. She returned to Nashville in 1973 raising her daughter, working for the State of Tennessee and dedicating many years volunteering weekly for the Nashville Rescue Mission Family Shelter.

She was the epitome of a loving and devoted mother and grandmother, always placing their needs above her own. Caroline's selflessness was a defining characteristic throughout her entire life, and her loyalty to her friends was unwavering. Those friendships were deeply bonded and sustained at the bridge table and on their many trips to Florida, California and Rock Island.

Her infectious smile, humor and personality captured the heart and love of all those around her especially in her last years at Abe’s Garden after being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to the exceptional staff at Abe's Garden Memory Care for their devotion and attentive care over the past five years.

A family graveside service will be held on Saturday, January 20th at Historic Mt. Olivet Cemetery, where Caroline's ashes will be laid to rest next to her beloved grandmother, Leonora O'Bryan Trabue. In the spring, a second interment of ashes will take place at Coronado Bay in San Diego. The family is hosting a Celebration of Life on Saturday from 4:15-6:00pm at Belle Meade Country Club, where friends and family can gather to share memories and offer support.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to the Nashville Humane Association (213 Oceola Avenue, Nashville, TN 37209) or the new Women & Children's Campus of The Nashville Rescue Mission (PO Box 24661, Nashville, TN 37202-4661). These contributions will honor Caroline's love for animals and her dedication to helping those in need.