Carrie Lorene Beck's Obituary
Carrie Lorene Beck, 94, of Chattanooga, answered the call of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on the morning of Saturday, November 15, 2025, in the Hospice Care Center, surrounded by loved ones. She exited this earthly world and entered eternal rest. Carrie Beck went to the one that loved her the most leaving a void in the hearts of her family that will never be filled.
On January 9, 1931, Carrie Lorene Beck was born to the late Walter and Mary Towns in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Carrie Beck, as she was affectionately called by her grandchildren under the age of 40 loved her family. She was the only child, so she had a close relationship with her cousins. She loved them as her brothers and sisters, and her home was their home. It was a family affair. She also loved her friends as family and always enjoyed visits with them. She developed friendships at different stages of her long life. Some friendships were made while working as a nurse at Erlanger Hospital for over 40 years, some were made at her previous church Pilgrim Missionary Baptist, some were made in her old neighborhoods, while others were made through her children.
Carrie Beck was a kind, loving, nurturing woman of strength, faith, and compassion but quite bossy at times. She was the MATRIARCH, the ROCK, and HEARTBEAT of the family! Not because of her age, but because of the strength, love, and grace she carried through everything. She loved many and was loved by many. Family members often sought advice from her and her opinion mattered tremendously. She lived a life that inspired everyone she met. Carrie Beck’s life was centered around her faith, family, flowers, food, and fun. In her 94 years here with us she experienced an abundance of each.
Carrie Beck was a member of the Galilee Missionary Baptist Church family where she served on the Mother Board Ministry. One of her greatest moments at church occurred just last year when she was recognized and honored as the second oldest member. She served her church faithfully in many capacities until she was faced with health challenges.
Carrie Beck enjoyed faith-based television programs. She especially enjoyed the Gaither singers, Orchard Knob Missionary Baptist Church television service, and of course Galilee Missionary Baptist Church on Facebook.
Carrie Beck was passionate about flowers and plants. She loved to watch things grow. She enjoyed her flowers immensely and looked forward to each spring to plant a garden. She grew a variety of fruits and vegetables each year and planted fruit trees. She would often run marathons with the birds and squirrels to see who would get the first peach of the season. When she was unable to work in the yard she continued her gardening on the porch. She could make anything grow and even surprised her grandson, Marcus by accidently growing something special for him…guess what!
When she was not gardening, Carrie Beck enjoyed preparing food for family and friends. She was always delighted to feed people. She watched her namesake, her grandmother Carrie cook. She learned to use a pinch of salt and a pinch of sugar at an early age. She prepared meals without special skills, but endless love. The torch has passed. Her granddaughter Talia will now take her place as the family cook!
She was always happy when the family was together. She loved to have fun with her family. When the family traveled, she traveled. When holidays were celebrated, she celebrated. When birthdays were celebrated, she was first in line for cake. Her smile, touch, style, and stern look will always be in our hearts.
Carrie Lorene Beck was preceded in death by her father and mother, Walter and Mary Towns; three sons, Eric Colen, Leroy Beck, and Danny Beck; and her cousin, Yvonne Westfield.
She will be dearly missed by her beloved daughter and caregiver, Paula Leath; caring sons, Claybrook Adams and Maynard Beck; daughters-in-law, Deborah Colen and Marvis Adams of Fayetteville, NC; son-in-law, John Leath; five loving granddaughters, Shanika (Ardis), JaMia (Depriest), Talia, Dessalyn, and Erica; six loving grandsons, Korlon (Quantilia) of Atlanta, GA, Claybrook, Jr. of Fayetteville, NC, Marcus, Christopher (Phobe) of Dallas, TX, Derrick, and Eric Jr.; 28 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-grandson; compassionate great-grandchildren who were caring sitters, Kinsley, Kylan, Marshayla, Shakeila, also known as “Betty,” and Dequishia; cousins, Sharon Lyle (Donald) and family, Andre Westfield and family, extended family, Mark and Kimberly Colen, Annie Ruth Sanders and the Westmoreland family.
Carrie will lie-in-state on Friday, November 21, 2025, from 1-5 p.m. at Taylor Funeral Home. She will lie-in-state on Saturday, November 22, 2025, at 12:00
noon at Galilee Missionary Baptist Church. Funeral service will follow at 1 p.m. at the church with Pastor Alonzo Noble as the Eulogist. Burial will be in Hamilton Memorial Gardens.
“Blessed are they which die in the Lord…that they may rest from their labors; and their works do follow them.” Revelation 4:13
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