Shirley June (Laxton) Carson

Shirley June Laxton Carson, age 85 of Huntsville, TN, passed peacefully at her home on Saturday, October 16th, 2021.  Born in Oneida, Scott County, TN, she was the daughter of the late Loma Wright Laxton and Ohlen Laxton. 

In addition to her parents, Shirley is pre-deceased by her sister, Evelyn King. 

Shirley grew up in Huntsville, where she was an active member of the First Baptist Church and Garden Club.  She excelled in academics, graduating from Huntsville High School at the age of 16 as valedictorian.  As a young girl, Shirley was a hard worker, working with her father on the family farm.  

This work ethic carried on into Shirley’s professional career as she received an academic scholarship to Tennessee Tech University.  Shirley attended TTU until she went to work for Baker and Baker Law firm.  It was during this time that she met her husband of 62 years, Arzo Carson.  Shirley obtained the Certified Professional Secretary status from the Professional Secretaries Institute while working as executive secretary for the District Attorney General of the 19th judicial district, and she served as the first Administrator of the Child Support Enforcement division.  After moving to Nashville when Shirley’s husband was appointed as Director of the new Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, she worked at Vanderbilt Medical Center in the research department.  

After a very successful career, Shirley moved back to Huntsville, where she devoted herself to family life and being the world’s best grandmother. Shirley and Arzo travelled extensively in retirement, hiking large portions of the Appalachian Trail and Sheltowee Trace Trail, and exploring throughout the U.S. and Canada.  Shirley was the heart of a loving family who are blessed with her memory and look forward to reuniting with her in Heaven.

She is survived by her husband, Arzo Carson (Director Emeritus, Tennessee Bureau of Investigation); daughter, Scarlett Wirt (Laurel, MD), son and daughter-in-law, Jared and Michelle (Drinnon) Carson (Huntsville); grandson, John Carson (Huntsville) and fiancé Emily Mays; granddaughter and son-in-law, Merry (Carson) and Hughston Lay (Powell, TN); sister, Anna Ruth Clark (Oneida); many beloved nieces and nephews; and special caregivers Jessica Eads and Lisa Bryant.  

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, October 19, 2021, from 4:00 p.m. until time of funeral service at 7:00 p.m. at the First Baptist Church in Oneida, TN, with Rev. Philip Kazee officiating.  

Interment will be held on Wednesday, October 20, 2021, at 10:00 a.m. in the Carson Memorial Park in Oneida, TN.  

Condolences may be sent to the family at P.O. Box 235, Huntsville, TN  37756.

Jones & Son Funeral Home is serving the family of Shirley June Laxton Carson.

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