Carolyn Ann Tenney, 87, of Buckhannon, passed away on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, at Serenity Care in Buckhannon.
She was born in French Creek, on September 9, 1938, a daughter of the late Floyd Hale Smith and Bessie Vera Buchanan Smith. On September 28, 1957, Carolyn married Elmer Kyle Tenney. They spent 65 years together until his passing on February 15, 2022. She was preceded in death by her son, Ronald Michael Tenney; one brother, Ronald Edwin Smith; two sisters: Jean Marks and Louise Dean; and one nephew, James Dean.
Forever cherishing their memories of Carolyn are her nieces and nephews: Chuck Marks and wife, Nancy, of Ijamesville, MD, Carrie Tenney and husband, Marshall, T.C. Cutlip and wife, Billie, Todd Cutlip and wife, Lisa, Kelly Rogers and husband, Mike, Robin Spencer and companion, Tom Moody, and Rhonda Hollen and husband, Cody, all of Buckhannon; several great nieces and nephews.
Carolyn was a beloved cornerstone of her community, known for her extraordinary talent, boundless generosity, and the warmth that she brought into every room. As Helen Keller once said, “The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched – they must be felt with the heart.” Carolyn embodied this sentiment, touching countless lives with her heart of gold.
Carolyn was a master of her craft, quite literally. Her talent for crafting, cooking, baking, and sewing was legendary, her creations admired by all who knew her. The sight of her delightful flower arrangements brightened many a day, while her culinary and baking masterpieces were the highlight of every gathering. She was a dedicated lifelong member and volunteer at Tennerton United Methodist Church, her faith and service a testament to her spirit. A 1957 graduate of Buckhannon-Upshur High School, Carolyn also devoted her time to Crosslines and the Upshur County Garden Club, always finding joy in giving back. Her dedication to her home and family was unparalleled; she was a homemaker in the truest sense of the word, creating a haven of love and warmth for all that knew her.
Friends and family will gather for visitation at Clutter Funeral and Cremation located at 21 Elnora Circle in Buckhannon, WV, from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 20, 2025. A Funeral Service will follow at 1:00 p.m. in the Clutter Funeral home Chapel with Pastor Dwayne Brown officiating. Burial will follow in the Upshur County Memorial Park in Tennerton.
We, at Clutter Funeral and Cremation, are honored and privileged to serve the family of Carolyn Ann Tenney. Online condolences may be expressed at www.ClutterFuneralHome.com.
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