Carolyn Hodges Dicer
Carolyn Hodges Dicer, of Simpsonville, SC, passed away on Saturday, February 24, 2024, at the age of 81. Carolyn was wife of Gary N. Dicer for 60 years. Born in Lyons, and raised in Sherburne, NY, Carolyn was a daughter of the late Donald K. and Irene Reynolds Hodges.
Carolyn graduated from Crouse Irving School of Nursing, Syracuse, NY in 1962, and she worked as a nurse for several years. She married Gary in 1964. They later moved to TN and raised their family in Knoxville. In 1988, Carolyn returned to school and earned her BA with Highest Honors from the University of Tennessee.
Carolyn was very active in the Episcopal Church, where she created and implemented numerous programs for the church at the local, regional, and national level. During her career, she worked at The Church of the Ascension, Knoxville, the Bishop’s Office of the Diocese of East Tennessee, and the National Episcopal Church. One of her most notable programs was the Fresh Start Program for Clergy in Transition. Carolyn and Gary also spent several months in Costa Rica, where Carolyn helped develop a Christian Education program for the Diocese of Costa Rica.
After retiring to South Carolina, Gary and Carolyn enjoyed traveling. They visited many countries and states, but her favorite place was always the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Carolyn also loved spending time with her four grandchildren and cheering on the UT Lady Vols Basketball Team.
In addition to her husband, Carolyn is survived by her daughter, Deanne (David) Toye; her son, Donald (Julie) Dicer; four grandchildren, Jonathan (Jessica) Toye, Emily Toye, Kearn Dicer, and Macy Kate Dicer; two sisters, Renie Humphrey and Donna Kunkel; and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents, Carolyn was preceded in death by her brother, Bill Hodges.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Holy Cross Episcopal Church in Simpsonville on Saturday, March 2, 2024, beginning at 4:00 pm.
Y’all have to know how beloved Carolyn was by all the Ascension kids, including me. Sending all my love with a smile at rally day silliness and reminders to behave in the nave. She was wonderful.
So many memories of spending times at the Dicer house and all of the crafts she did with us. It truly was our second home. Know she is welcomed at the gate by mom and Steve. Love you Dee Dee, Donnie and Gary!!
What a beautiful peaceful syster. 🕊❤️ My prayers are with family and those close friends. Peace be with you.
Carolyn was such a talented and competent person and I was privileged to serve with her. Peace and blessings to the family.
Carolyn was my first boss at the church of the Ascention! She was a beloved friend and colleague and served the Episcopal Church will grace and skill. I am proud to have known her.
Gary, I don’t know that we’ve ever met in person, but I’ve often heard about you and Carolyn from your brother, Al (my longtime college friend). I am sorry for your loss and pray God’s blessings and comfort to you and your family during this time. I read Carolyn’s obituary and was impressed and grateful for her service in the church on behalf of others. I know she will be missed by all who knew and loved her. Warm regards. Don
Such a beautiful person. Made the world a better place.
It’s difficult to express the loss I feel at the death of Carolyn. We grew up together spending those teenage years, birthday parties and slumber parties together. To reconnect as adults was a wonderful thing. We shared so many memories from the past. Meeting Carolyn for lunch always meant a special time reminiscing as well as talking about wildflowers, lightening bugs, and religion. I so regret not being able to attend her memorial service, but a vertigo flare up is keeping me away. My deepest sympathy to Gary, her children and grand children and her sisters.