Carolyn Gonce LeRoy died Sunday, June 22 in Nashville, Tennessee. The daughter of Marion A. Gonce and Bertha Russell Gonce, she was born in South Pittsburg on September 29, 1936. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband of 60 years W. Wayne LeRoy, and her brother Donald Gonce. She is survived by her daughters Emily LeRoy, Ellen LeRoy and Marian L. Kohl (Michael), grandchildren Adam Hobbs, Caroline Kohl and Catherine Kohl, her sister Barbara Clepper and many special nieces, nephews and cousins.
Carolyn was a graduate of South Pittsburg High School, Middle Tennessee State University and Watkins Institute. After college, Carolyn taught English at Cumberland High School in Metro Davidson County until the arrival of her daughter, Emily in 1961. Carolyn was a devoted member of St. Philip’s Episcopal Church, serving on the Vestry, as well as serving as Senior Warden, the Pastoral Search Committee, the Order of the Daughters of the King, the Choir, and teaching Sunday School. She also founded the Stephen Ministry program at St. Philip’s and was instrumental in designing and raising funds for the Columbarium at St. Philip’s. Carolyn served as a troop leader for her daughters’ Brownie and Girl Scout troops, and was active in her daughters’ schools, serving on the P.T.A., as well as leading fundraising projects such as the 1981 renovation of McGavock High School’s track. She was active in the Nashville Symphony Regional Council, the Tennessee Bar Auxiliary, the Ladies Hermitage Association, Bluefields Neighborhood Association and the Donelson/Hermitage Chamber of Commerce.
Carolyn turned her love of antique furniture, books and silver into her own business, Carolyn LeRoy Appraisals, Estate and Moving Sales and was widely respected as an expert on antiques and collectibles. She was an accredited member of the International Society of Appraisers.
Carolyn loved to gather with family and friends, and with her husband Wayne hosted many memorable parties over the years at their home and beloved farm. Her family fondly remembers the annual 4th of July parties, as well as wonderful holiday celebrations. She was a loving presence in her grandchildren’s lives, attending school and sporting events, as well as hosting them at extended stays at her home and especially at the farm.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 12 p.m. on Saturday, August 9 at St. Philip’s Episcopal Church. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. to Noon, preceding the service, with a reception to follow, at Michaud Hall, St. Philip’s Episcopal Church in Nashville. Those wishing to make a memorial contribution are asked to consider St. Philip’s Episcopal Church, ATTN: Endowment fund in memory of Carolyn LeRoy, 85 Fairway Drive, Nashville, TN 37214, or online at stphilipsnashville.org, or the Alzheimer’s Association, ATTN: Donor Services, 225 North Michigan Avenue, Floor 17, Chicago, IL 60601 or online at alz.org.
Carolyn’s family would like to extend a special thank you to the compassionate staff from Burton Court at Blakeford in Nashville for their love and care over the last two years, as well as to friends and family for their visits and their lovely cards that always brightened her days.
All funeral arrangements were entrusted to Alternative Cremation & Funeral Service in Franklin, Tennessee. Address is 206B Cool Springs Blvd Suite 201, phone number is (615) 567-6969 and email is acfsoffice@gmail.com.
The Marion Tribune – August 7, 2025
