Carolyn (Abernathy) Schroeder passed away on Saturday, June 6, 2026, in Gallatin, Tennessee at the age of 90. She was a loving wife of almost 40 years to her first husband, Charles Abernathy, who died in 1995, and to Clyde Schroeder, who predeceased her in 2024, after more than 15 years of marriage.

Born August 18, 1935, in Elkhart, Indiana, to Theodore and Laura Ericson, Carolyn graduated from Elkhart High School in 1953 and from Valparaiso University in 1957 with a B.S. degree in education. She and “Chuck” Abernathy were married at Trinity Lutheran Church in Elkhart on August 19, 1956. Their children: Jon C. Abernathy (Lee), Noblesville, Indiana; Julie Attaway (Chris), Ormond Beach, Florida; Linda Farmer, Gallatin; and Peter J. Abernathy (Kay), Gallatin, all survive her. Carolyn also is survived by Clyde’s children, Suzanne (Dan), David (Wendy) and Tim (Beth). Finally, Carolyn is survived by her sister Lois Sellers of Elkhart, Indiana.

Carolyn was blessed with nine grandchildren: Caroline Miller (Wayne), Lebanon, Tennessee; Laura Mullis (Bradley), Kailua, Hawaii; Grace Abernathy, Indianapolis, Indiana; Naomi Attaway (Eric), Washington, D.C.; Christopher Attaway, Atlanta, Georgia; Paige Abernathy (Joe), Durham, NC; Abi Danielson (Karl), Charlotte, NC; Lynden Abernathy, Washington D.C.; and Emily Farmer, Gallatin. She was also blessed with six great-grandsons (two in the last months of her life): Knox Mullis, Cade Mullis, Kipton Miller, Beck Miller, Elliot Danielson, and Silas Heath.

After moving to Gallatin in 1974 from Warsaw, Indiana, Carolyn and Chuck were among the handful of members to form Trinity Lutheran Church. She was very active there through the remainder of her life. She was also very faithful in her support of Trinity Hope, a food ministry for school children in Haiti, an organization with its roots in the Trinity membership. Carolyn also taught in the local school system for several years and then administered testing at Volunteer State Community College until her retirement.

Carolyn remained a widow for 13 years before meeting Clyde at Trinity shortly after he moved to Gallatin from New Orleans. They were married more than 15 years before Clyde’s passing.

Throughout her life, Carolyn observed the words of St. Francis of Assisi: “Preach the gospel at all times and if necessary, use words.” In her own quiet way, she shared her faith with her children, grand and great-grandchildren, and everyone she met. Her practice was to always do for others before herself.

In lieu of flowers, the family would ask for any memorials be directed to Trinity Lutheran Church, 720 Lock 4 Road, Gallatin, TN 37066, or Trinity Hope, P.O. Box 2910, Lebanon, TN 37088.

Arrangements entrusted to Alexander Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 584 Nashville Pike, Gallatin. (615) 502-0011  Online condolences can be made at www.AlexanderGallatin.com