Carrie Jean Dean Caldwell

Carrie Jean Dean Caldwell (Jean) passed away on December 17, 2014, at the age of 95. She died in Athens, Texas, where she had lived for her entire life. Visitation: 9 to 10 a.m. Monday, Dec. 22, 2014 at First Presbyterian Church of Athens. Funeral services will follow at 10, Rev. Paul Sherwood officiating. Burial will follow at Shelby Chapel. Jean was born on February 16, 1919 to the late William Henry Dean and the late Oatie Horton Dean. She was the oldest of five siblings and was known for her determination and for her fierce defense of her younger siblings. Jean graduated from Athens High School, and she was married to William Caldwell on October 15, 1938. She worked many years as a title clerk in Athens, along with helping her husband with his nursery. She was a long-time, faithful member of the First Presbyterian Church in Athens. Jean had a number of interests which she was able to pursue until well into her 90’s. She was particularly interested in birds and is estimated to have put out several truckloads of birdseed over the years. Her yard was always the home of a great many birds, all of which she could identify on sight. She also had a keen interest in and skill with plants. She had many beautiful and unusual plants, many of which she was able to propagate herself. In fact, she was noted for always propagating a great many more plants than she actually had room for in her garden. She seemed to never see a plant which she did not like and was still expanding her gardens into the edges of the woods until shortly before her death. Jean is survived by her two children; Mary Caldwell Hortman of Athens, Bill Caldwell and wife, Bobbie, of West Monroe, Louisiana; four grandchildren, Adrian Berkline and husband, Kevin, Katie Hurst and husband, Scott, Josh Hortman and wife Jennifer, and Jordan Hortman; great grandson, Tate Berkline; great granddaughter, Madeleine Hortman; brother, Dan Dean and his wife Norma, as well as a large number of nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, William Caldwell; her parents, Henry and Oatie Horton Dean; and siblings Mary Hanys, Peggy Andress, and William "Bill" Dean. Pallbearers: Andy Andress, Lonnie Andress, James Barbree, Walter Bay, Kevin Berkline and Scott Hurst. Jean will be remembered for her unflagging optimism and her sense of humor, and for her willingness to always help anyone who needed her help. The family wishes to thank her many friends and church members and others who helped her in the latter part of her life.

Carrie Jean Dean Caldwell

February 16, 1919 - December 17, 2014