Carol Norfleet

Born in Clarksville, TN on May 5, 1961 Departed on June 15, 2019 and resided in Gallatin, TN
Ms. Carol A. Norfleet

Born in Clarksville, TN on May 5, 1961

Departed on June 15, 2019 and resided in Gallatin, TN

Carol Anne Norfleet, age 58, of Gallatin, Tennessee passed peacefully just after sunrise on Saturday, June 15, 2019, in Nashville while her son Gabe held her hand. Carol was born on May 5, 1961 in Clarksville, Tennessee to Herman and Ada (Blankenship) Norfleet.

Carol received undergraduate and graduate degrees from Austin Peay State University. She began a successful career in event and destination management rising to prominence in her field holding designations as a Certified Meeting Professional and a Destination Management Certified Professional. She was also a faculty member of Belmont University's Meeting and Event Planning Certificate course. Her numerous recognitions include Association of Destination Management Executives International Joanne O'Connor President's Award (2009) for leadership and dedication to industry education, Meeting Professionals International RISE Award for Member of the Year (2016) and was named a Woman of Influence (2016) by the Nashville Business Journal.

Despite all her awards, Carol would be the first to tell you that her greatest accomplishment in life was her son Gabe. She loved traveling and visited all 50 states with her son and they recently returned from a tour of Europe. She enjoyed good food, good drink, and hosting family and friends in her home. She was passionate about her son, her friends, the theater, and the Nashville Predators. She took pleasure in seeing others become the best they could be. Above all, she taught us to face the day with optimism, wear bright colors that make you happy, share with the world the talents that God gave you, and keep your friends and family close.

Carol is survived by her son Gabe Vigil, brother Ed Norfleet, sister-in-law Julie Norfleet, and nieces Grace and Lucy Norfleet, and countless friends and colleagues who miss her dearly.

A small memorial for family and close friends was held on June 22 in Studio A at the Grand Ole Opry House. A public celebration of life is planned for Saturday, August 3, 2019, details of which will be published separately.

Memorials may be made to Alive Hospice, Inc. at alivehospice.org or the Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance at orcahope.org

Online condolences may be submitted at alexandergallatin.com. Alexander Funeral Home and Cremation Center 584 Nashville Pike, Gallatin is in charge of arrangements. (615)-502-0011 Obit Line (615) 502-0555

9 Comments Tammy Davis June 30, 2019 at 12:47 pm - Reply

I am so sorry for your loss, please except our condolences and prayers. I can't take away the pain of which you feel but, Isaiah 40:26 in part-reads that you will find comfort in knowing that your dear one is safe in the memory of Jehovah God, who will remember every detail about your love one and bring them back again in the "resurrection hope". (Acts 24:15)
I hope this brings a little comfort for your family and friends.

Ed Norfleet July 2, 2019 at 7:46 pm - Reply

Thank you, Tammy, for your kind words.

Rex Harder July 19, 2019 at 2:30 am - Reply

I dated Carol in our years at APSU.

Rex Harder July 19, 2019 at 2:40 am - Reply

I dated Carol at APSU. Am on fb… rex Harder. Cried when I found this.

Rex Harder July 19, 2019 at 2:28 am - Reply

I just found out about Carol’s passing. When I found this…I simply cried. She was my very first girlfriend. We met at APSU. I would spend weekends at her folks farm. We dating for several months. Ate many meals at her folks. Slept there in country home. Walked her dad tobacco farm. By chance, my bosses met her at convention in our same business in event/decor. She was a very special chapter in my life. I wish I could be there for the service.

Ed Norfleet July 19, 2019 at 5:05 pm - Reply

Rex, thank you for your kind words. I remember you for sure. If you can, please come to the memorial on August 3rd at 7:00 pm in the theater at the Country Music Hall of Fame.

Rex Harder July 20, 2019 at 8:35 pm - Reply

I wish I could Ed. It’s a money thing. I remember you and your folks and coming to the farm. Carol was my sweetie back then at APSU. Funny we both ended up in the same business.

Rex September 24, 2019 at 1:49 am - Reply

Carol just popped up again. Many wonderful times w her in college and on the farm. She was my first girlfriend ever. So many memories and college and farm. And the dinners w folks.

Marsha April 7, 2020 at 9:21 pm - Reply

I am absolutely stunned to learn of this beautiful lady’s passing. I met Carol as she was finishing her MBA at which time we became dear friends. As life would have it we went separate ways after Gabe was born and the last I saw her was in line at McDonald’s drive trough where were carried on our reunion to the dismay of everyone behind us in line. The last words we shared with each other were “I love you’s”, A beautiful soul, a beautiful woman, an amazing mother…gone far too soon.

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