Carol Ann Horky

Carol Ann (Janssen) Horky, age 81 of Hendersonville, Tennessee passed away August 6, 2022. Carol was born in Schenectady, New York, on June 20, 1941 to the late William and Naomi Janssen. After graduating from North College Hill, she attended the Ohio State University earning a BA in elementary education and an MA in early and middle childhood education and administration. Carol also was elected May Queen during her senior year at OSU at the same time she won the honor of Miss Central Ohio in the Miss Universe Pageant. As a young college student, Carol was a Jackie O look alike and was even employed at the Jersey shore with a Jack look alike to lure vacationers to the shore. She and Ray raised two beloved daughters, Carrie and Lorrie, and during their 55 years of marriage continued to be loving parents and grandparents. Her grandkids considered it a privilege to make time for visits during the declining years returning their devotion and admiration for their grandparents.

Carol taught school in Columbus, Ohio for over 30 years in the South-Western City School District as an innovative kindergarten and fifth grade Teacher, Early Childhood Principal and Staff Development Coach. She also spent an additional portion of her career as an early childhood Director of a Christian Preschool and Kindergarten. Carol enjoyed spending time with her colleagues at East Franklin Elementary school and Prairie Norton Middle School. She valued keeping in touch with her treasured friends from high school, college, and colleagues even after she and Ray retired together in Pensacola, Florida and subsequently, Gallatin, Tennessee.


Carol and Ray did not know a stranger. Good food and good people were always on the agenda-especially for friends and family! Carol enjoyed the fruits of her labor with Ray as they retired to their home and condo in Florida and then eventually Tennessee to live near her beloved grandchildren whom she helped raise in nurture for a portion of their formative years. Giving to her grandkids was her greatest joy! She was proud of each of them and would make a lasting impact on their formative years and in their young adulthood.

Carol is survived by her two loving daughters and their spouse and fiancé respectively, Carrie Wood (David) of Bellville, Ohio and Lorrie Hudson (Bobby Franco), of Gallatin, Tennessee that have given out of devotion for the care and support of Carol. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Emily (Wood) Howard (Micah) of Athens, Tennessee. Austin Hudson (Lilli Sage) of Coweta, Oklahoma, Carson Wood of Columbus, Ohio, and Hannah Hudson of Winston-Salem, NC; great-grandchildren, Colter Howard and Carolina Anne Howard; she was very close to her two loving sisters Sue Brown (Wayne) of Coatesville, PA and Marlene (Edward) Groth of Ferrum, Virginia. In accordance with her wishes, Carol’s cremated remains will be laid to rest in a private ceremony at Hendersonville Memorial Gardens in Hendersonville, Tennessee a place she chose carefully as a fan of Johnny Cash, who is also buried there. The family wishes to thank the Legacy at Hendersonville and Alive Hospice Nurses and Staff for the great care provided to Carol. Flowers can be sent to Sumner Funeral & Cremation Lakeside in Hendersonville, TN or donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, for which granddaughter Hannah Hudson, is currently researching in her graduate work. Arrangements entrusted to: Sumner Funeral & Cremation Lakeside, Hendersonville (615)822-4442 www.sumnerfuneral.com .