Carolyn Joy Tomchick Jenne’ Hobbs was born on July 29, 1932, in Memphis, Tennessee. Her parents were Margaret Mae Parker Hemphill Tomchick and Charles Burt Tomchick. She had two much-loved older siblings, Donald Hemphill and Gipson Hemphill. Carolyn was heavily involved in dance and music as a young child and became an accomplished musician in high school. She excelled at piano and served as a percussionist in the Whitehaven High School Band, playing snare drum in the marching band and tympani in the concert band. In high school, she was also active in Y-Teens, Spanish Club, and her church. Carolyn was named Salutatorian at Whitehaven High School from which she graduated in 1950. She was offered a Social Studies scholarship at Memphis State University but chose to become a homemaker rather than pursue formal studies. However, Carolyn continued to be a lifelong learner in all that she did and inspired her family and colleagues to also value learning.
Carolyn became a resident in Horn Lake, Mississippi in 1961, and immediately became active in Horn Lake Baptist Church and a range of community affairs. She was active in the Horn Lake Chapter of the Order of Eastern Star for over 58 years, serving as Worthy Matron multiple times. She was also a supporter of all activities at the Horn Lake Masonic Lodge including serving as Mother Advisor to the Order of Rainbow for Girls. She was President of the Horn Lake Elementary PTA for several years and became the Secretary/Treasurer for the Horn Lake Little League Baseball Association shortly after moving to Horn Lake. It was through Little League Baseball that Carolyn met her beloved spouse of 29 years, Floyd (Popcorn) Hobbs, who predeceased her.
Teaching the Senior Ladies Sunday School class was a special activity for Carolyn, and she served in that role for over 20 years. She was on several committees at the church during her 50+ years of membership and could most often be found doing one of her favorite activities, preparing and serving meals to multiple groups and organizations. She especially enjoyed being part of Seniors in Action and helping the Benevolence Committee. Carolyn Hobbs never said, “No,” to any request for service and found bountiful JOY (her middle name!) in helping others throughout her life.
Carolyn greatly enjoyed being part of the Horn Lake community and took enormous pride in every aspect of Horn Lake life in which she was engaged. Several of her special activities included working at the MR Dye Public Library, including being President of the Friends of the Library for multiple terms, serving as Bailiff at the voting polls, participating in the work of the Keep Horn Lake Beautiful Committee, and working with the ESL Program at First Baptist – Horn Lake. She also was a Cub Scout den mother and frequent “room mother” when her children were younger. Additionally, Carolyn enjoyed being in the Red Hat Society and took great delight in being Queen in this organization.
Carolyn was skillful at mathematics and put that ability to good use in her work life. She was a highly valued employee in accounting at Ely and Walker, Co. for 25 years, until the company’s closure. She then went on to work for Kemmons Wilson Properties in the Property Management Division for 18 years. She applied the same grace, intelligence, kindness, and work ethic in her professional life that were apparent in her community activities. It was always obvious to her family that Carolyn was loved by all with whom she worked.
The life philosophy of Carolyn Joy Tomchick Jenne’ Hobbs can be summed up in her own words, “I like to help people. It may be as an organized group or a single activity, but I like to help others.” May we all follow her example!
Relatives who predeceased Carolyn include her parents, Margaret (Pudgy) Tomchick and Charles Tomchick, her spouse, Floyd (Popcorn) Hobbs, and great-grandson, John Wesley Tull.
Carolyn leaves behind her children and their spouses, Dr. Lynn Jenne’ House (Stan), William F. Jenne’, Jr. (Cindy), Charles C. Jenne’ (Sherri), Floyd Hobbs, Jr. (Rita), 14 grandchildren, 33 great-grandchildren, 4 great-great-grandchildren and a host of other loving family and friends.
Engraved on the headstone for Carolyn Joy Tomchick Jenne’ Hobbs is a statement selected by her children that reflects the reality of her blessed life—"She was God’s gift to us all.”
We know that she will rest in Eternal Peace!
The family will receive friends Saturday, January 29th 2022 at Hernando Funeral Home, 5pm until 8pm. Services will be held Sunday, January 30th 2022 at Horn Lake First Baptist Church, 2pm, with a one hour prior visitation at the church. Interment will take place at New Bethlehem Cemetery.
www.hernandofuneralhome.com
662-429-5260
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