Carolyn Shelton Croft

Carolyn S. Croft, 81, of Delano, passed away peacefully at home on March 12, 2026. She was born on December 22, 1944, and lived in Delano for the entirety of her life. She was a graduate of Polk County High School where she spent most of her time on the basketball court. Carolyn worked a few different jobs but her favorite two included her time spent at East Tennessee Sod and Seeding and the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) where she retired after 20 years of service. Carolyn spent most of her free time with her family yard selling on Saturdays as well as swinging on the porch swing on Sundays while family and friends stopped by to see her. Carolyn was a true “firecracker” and was proud of the life she had built with her husband.

She is preceded in death by her mother and father, Monroe and Ina Shelton; her beloved husband, Jerry Croft; four brothers, Cleetus Shelton, Dawn Shelton, Winston Shelton, and James Shelton; one grandson, Garret Croft.

Left to cherish the many memories include her only sister, Kathy Shaw; four children, Tammy McCullough, Kim (Derick) White, Mickey (Chastity) Croft, and Nick (Hannah) Croft; ten grandchildren, Jeremy (Amanda) White, Whitney (Bubba) Morgan, Caytie McCullough, Will (Caitlyn) White, Joe (Abby) Croft, Tillmon (Addison) Devaney, Elijah (Sydney) Croft, Addyson McCullough (JJ Devoer), Malik Croft, Chaunte Sharp, and Chablee Sharp; nine great-grandchildren, Malayna, Beau, and Josie, Deacon and Corie, harper, Adalee, Aubrie, and Josie. Many nieces, nephews, and cousins also survive.

A graveside committal service will be held at 12:00 p.m. (noon) on Monday, March 16, 2026, at Delano Cemetery, with Tillmon Devaney presiding. Tillmon Devaney, JJ Devoer, Jeremy White, Bubba Morgan, Joseph Croft, and Elijah Croft will serve as pallbearers.

The family of Mrs. Croft would like to express their gratitude to Denise Ward for taking care of Carolyn and being her caregiver for the past five months.

Carolyn lived a full life and will be missed by many. She will always be remembered for her sense of humor, intelligence, and loving hearts.

Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at www.HigginsFunerals.com.

Higgins Funeral Home of Benton is in charge of arrangements.