Audrey Jean (Dawson) Carden

AUDREY JEAN CARDEN, age 83 of the Union Grove Community in Jemison, passed away on January 9, 2021 surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Chilton County on May 25, 1937; the daughter of the late Evans P. Dawson and the late Ida Wren McCary Dawson.

Jean was born and raised in the Pates Chapel Community of Thorsby. Growing up she was known by her siblings and family as “Sis.” It was at her parent’s home while sitting on the front porch, that a young man rode by and seen her. He stopped, and that began what would result in a marriage of over 61 years to the love of her life, Raymond Carden.

Jean was a loving wife, momma, mawmaw, and “Sis”. She and Raymond were known in the community for their impeccably maintained yard and home, and the garden they grew every year. She would spend many days during the summer freezing and canning various vegetables that would be enjoyed by her family, friends, and neighbors. She delighted in being with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She and Raymond were members of the Mineral Springs Baptist Church where they attended as long as their health would allow. They enjoyed many days of worship and fellowship there and made many friendships that lasted the rest of their lives.

The family wishes to express gratitude to the nurses, aides, and social workers of Hatley Healthcare in Clanton for the care they provided to her in the last years. A special thanks to her favorite nurse, Josephine, for her special care and attention. The family expresses immense gratitude to Southern Care Hospice of Clanton, especially Celestie, Pam, and Angie, who made it possible for the family to be able to spend her last few days at home and surrounded by her family.  

Jean is survived by: Daughter, Gail (Larry) Hand of Meridian, MS; Daughter, Cindy (Joe Earl) Ellison of Jemison; Grandson, Randall (Laura) Hand of Miami, FL; Granddaughter, Karen (Phillip) Hartness of Gulfport. MS; Granddaughter, April (Nathan) Bradley of Austin, TX; Grandson, J. Aaron (Tracy) Ellison of Jemison; Grandson, Jonathan (Dana) Ellison of Jemison; Great-Grandchildren: Rhianna Hand, Ethan Hand, Jace Newman, Caed Bradley, Jaysen Bradley, Aaden Ellison, Tobias Bradley, Hunter Ellison, Alexis Hartness, Kaylee Hartness, Coven Dawson Ellison, Wynne Hartness, Emmett Carden Ellison, and Reece Ellison; Sister, Joyce (Charles) Hilyer of Thorsby; Brother-in-Law, Delbert Avery of Pulaski, TN; and a host of nieces and nephews.

Jean is preceded in death by: Husband, Raymond R. Carden; Parents, Eib and Ida Dawson; Sister, Helen Avery; Sister, Earlene Dawson Hayes; and Brother, Willard Dawson.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, January 12, 2021 at 7:00pm from Mineral Springs Baptist Church with Rev. Robert Sandifer, Rev. J. Aaron Ellison, and Rev. Jason Green officiating.

Visitation will be held from 5:00pm until service time in the main sanctuary.

A family graveside service will be held on Wednesday, January 13, 2021 at 11:00am in the Union Grove Community Cemetery in Jemison, AL with Rev. Jeff Mims and Rev. Thurmond Cleckler officiating.

Final care and arrangements entrusted to the Ellison Memorial Funeral Home of Clanton, AL.

www.EllisonMemorialFuneralHome.com