Obituary

Carey Francis Hester Huddleston passed away May 17, 2021 at Middlesboro Nursing and Rehabilitation Facility. She was born February 18, 1922 in Dyersburg, Tennessee to Carey Kitty Farris Hester and William D. Hester, was raised by her aunt, Mrs. Dollie Farris Williams. Mrs. Williams raised Carey and her older brother, Jack after their mother’s demise on the day of Carey’s birth. Carey graduated from Dyersburg Public High School in 1940. She attended Memphis State College for two years before graduating from Tennessee’s Union College in 1944 with a degree in Library Science where she worked for several years as an assistant librarian. Carey received her graduate degree from Peabody in 1945.

On June 26, 1949 in Dyersburg, TN, Carey married the late Charles D. Huddleston, formerly of Middlesboro. They had one child, Charles Vernon Huddleston. During the following years, Carey served as a teacher and librarian in various states before retiring in 1976. Upon Carey and Charlie’s move to Middlesboro in 1976, Carey began an active role in the Cumberland Garden Club where she served as chairman and the Garden Club of Kentucky. She served as President of the latter from 1989 to 1991. Carey’s theme for her Presidency was “Striving Together for Beauty’s Sake”. Carey won numerous ribbons for her flower arrangements at the regional, state and national levels. Carey was also an active bridge player, often hosting bridge parties at her home. Carey served as an Elder of the First Presbyterian Church until just two years ago. She was appointed a Kentucky Colonel by Governor John Y Brown in 1983.

Carey is survived by her son, Major Charles V. (Connie) Huddleston, U.S. Army retired; her granddaughter, Amy C. (Mark) Huddleston Davis and two great grandsons: Ethan Harrison Davis and Ian Kenneth Davis, all of Georgetown, Texas.

Funeral service will be 2 p.m., Thursday, May 20, 2021 at Shumate Funeral Home Chapel. Graveside service will follow in Middlesboro Cemetery. The family will receive friends 1-2 p.m., Thursday, May 20, 2021 at Shumate Funeral Home Chapel.

Shumate Funeral Home is honored to serve the Family of Carey Francis Hester Huddleston and is entrusted with all arrangements.