Mrs. Carolyn Hulme Busby, age 96, of Sparta, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, at Life Care Center of Sparta.
Carolyn was born September 21, 1929, on the family farm in the Dewey Rose Community of Elbert County, Georgia, to the late James Madison and Victoria Burdette Hulme. Her Georgia drawl never left her, causing many people to refer to her as the “Georgia Peach.”
Carolyn graduated from high school at the age of 16 and enrolled in the Southern Business College in Atlanta, Georgia, where she earned a business degree. Her brother, Woody, paid her tuition, and she provided childcare services for a family in return for room and board. That same family offered to sponsor her to work in their company and make her debut at Piedmont Driving Club in Atlanta. However, she had met Robert K., with whom she married on October 5, 1947. In the early 1950’s, they moved to Middle Tennessee with two young daughters and added two more daughters after moving to Sparta.
Carolyn was active in support of her daughters, from serving as a Room Mother and PTO President at West Sparta Elementary to Brownie and Girl Scout Leader. She was a longtime active member of First Baptist Church of Sparta, where she served as Nursery Hostess, Vacation Bible School Director, Church Hostess, and served on the building committee overseeing the construction of the sanctuary. When her children were grown, Carolyn earned her Realtors License and enjoyed helping families find their homes.
In addition to her parents, she is also preceded in death by her husband, Robert Kenneth “Bob” Busby, who died November 22, 1997; daughters Darla Eugenia Busby and Louann Busby Kendall; sons-in-law Randy McLean and Darrell Tubb; five brothers and two sisters.
Surviving family members include her two daughters, Linda Busby McLean of Charlotte, N.C., and Babette Busby Tubb of Sparta
Granddaughters: Caroline McLean Tolleson of Atlanta, GA, Lauren Kendall Griess of Elkton, NE, Busby Hight Kendle of Gallatin, TN
Grandsons: Rob Cantrell of Lascassas, TN, Zach McLean of Charlotte, NC, and B. J. Kendall of Columbus, Ott
Three great granddaughters and six great grandsons
Graveside services will be conducted 11 am Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at Highland Cemetery. There will be no visitation prior to the service. Brad Walker will officiate.
Hunter Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
