Carol Elliott Densford's Obituary
Carol Elliott Densford passed away May 17, 2026 with her family at her bedside. Carol was deeply loved by her family and many friends and former clients. All will cherish the memory of her smile and sweet personality.
Carol grew up in Memphis and attended Overton HS and then Blue Mountain College in Mississippi. Carol married Jon Densford there at Blue Mountain on May 20, 1972 before graduating a week later. They had met at a summer job in Memphis after their freshman years, and their romance flourished at a long distance (Nashville to Tippah County Miss!)
Carol’s commitment to her alma mater was lifelong. She supported what is now Blue Mountain Christian University in many ways including serving for years as Treasurer of a very active Memphis alumnae group. Carol stayed in contact with many dear friends made while a student, and continued attending reunions and alumnae functions even after paralysis from injury confined her to a wheelchair.
Carol worked in Memphis as a elementary school librarian for six years then took about a ten year break following the birth of her first child. Then began a 35 year career in tax preparation at H&R Block. Carol became an office supervisor and achieved the designations of Enrolled Agent and Master Tax Preparer. Her hundreds of clients appreciated her expertise and kind personality. Most remained as clients and friends for decades.
Carol loved her church, Second Baptist, where she and Jon have been active members for over 50 years. The pastor and many friends in the congregation have faithfully supported Jon and Carol with prayer and helpful service since her paralysis.
Carol was an avid sports fan, especially of the Memphis Tigers men’s basketball team. Jon and Carol attended a majority of the home Tiger games since 1973, including almost every home game from her wheelchair these past three seasons. Carol also enjoyed reading at least a book per week. She loved to travel too, especially with the four grandchildren and their parents on a Disney Cruise and on a trip to Hawaii.
Following emergency surgeries at Vanderbilt after her accident in July ’23, Carol and Jon spent two months at the wonderful Shepherd Center in Atlanta. They learned physical, psychological, and spiritual coping skills to deal with quadriplegia. Since returning home, their love has grown stronger. In many ways a misfortune has blossomed into the best years of the relationship.
Carol is survived by her spouse of 54 years, Jon and their son, Jonathan Jr (Laura), a daughter, Lora Jarvis (Reed), and her brother, Ken Elliott (Barbara). Carol has four precious grandchildren who were the joy of her heart – Caleb Densford, Aubrie Densford, Jack Jarvis and Lilly Jarvis.
The visitation starts at 11 AM Friday May 22 at Second Baptist Church, 4680 Walnut Grove Road. At noon the service will be there followed by burial at Memorial Park Cemetery on Poplar Avenue.
In lieu of flowers please consider a memorial gift to Blue Mountain Christian University, Second Baptist Church or the Shepherd Center.
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