Carol Chambers Oxley

Carol Chambers Oxley, age 87, passed away peacefully on September 6, 2025, in Franklin, Tennessee. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, educator, and member of her community, Carol’s life was marked by a deep commitment to family, faith, and the pursuit of knowledge.

Born on September 18, 1937, in Atlanta, Georgia, Carol was the daughter of Walter and Ethel New Chambers. She pursued her passion for mathematics with determination and excellence, earning a bachelor’s degree from Union University in Jackson, Tennessee. She continued her studies at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, where she received a master’s degree in mathematics.

Carol taught calculus and was the chair of mathematics at Harpeth Hall School in Nashville for 29 years, inspiring generations of young women with her intellect and dedication to education while fostering both academic and personal growth. While there, she was awarded the Owen Faculty Chair in Teaching Excellence and received the U.S. Presidential Scholars Teacher Recognition Award from the Department of Education in 1998.

A faithful member of First United Methodist Church in Franklin, Tennessee, Carol lived her faith through service teaching Sunday school, volunteering at GraceWorks, serving on mission trips to Guatemala, and later receiving the same love and care from her close church family through meals and visits.

Carol leaves behind her husband, John, with whom she shared 66 wonderful years of marriage. Together they built a life rooted in love and mutual respect. She is also lovingly remembered by her sons: Art (Mary) and Daniel; her cherished granddaughters Elizabeth and Katherine; her sister Susan Brandin (Terry); her brother, Bobby and many others whose lives were touched by her warmth and wisdom.

She was preceded in death by her parents, brother Lurton Chambers, and stepmother, Thelma Patrick Chambers.

Outside of her professional and spiritual commitments, Carol found joy in creative pursuits such as quilting and painting. She also loved her flowers, gardening and cooking—activities that brought beauty and comfort into the lives of those around her.

Carol Chambers Oxley leaves behind a legacy of grace, intellect, compassion, and unwavering faith. May her memory bring comfort to all who knew and loved her. A Memorial Service will be held on September 20, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at First United Methodist Church 120 Aldersgate Way, Franklin, Tennessee. The family will visit with guests from 9:00 AM until the service.

Williamson Memorial Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Donations in lieu of flowers: GraceWorks and Meals on Wheels.