Carolyn Gleaves Lightfoot

Carolyn Gleaves Lightfoot, age 92, passed away peacefully at home on March 18, 2025. She was preceded in death by her husband of 32 years Richard William Lightfoot, III, her parents Richard Douglas Gleaves and Carolyn Jones Gleaves, her brother Richard Douglas Gleaves, Jr., and her grandson Matthew Joseph Bunker. 

Carolyn was born on December 30, 1932, in Nashville, Tennessee. She attended Vanderbilt University and graduated from Auburn University with an Applied Art degree. She was an active member of the Chi Omega sorority at both universities. She met her husband Richard while at Auburn through mutual friends, and they were married June 2, 1956. They lived in Tuskegee, AL, until 1968 when they moved to Montgomery, AL.

Carolyn was very creative, artistic, and an entrepreneur. She began a children’s accessories business, Designs by Carolyn, with hand-painted barrettes, eventually adding hair bows and much more. Her line could be found in many children’s boutiques across the southeast.

Carolyn loved her family dearly and was a loyal friend. She enjoyed traveling, gardening, playing Bridge with friends, Rummikub with family, and arranging flowers at Trinity Presbyterian Church where she was a longtime member. Carolyn was very involved in the Montgomery community. She was a member of the Junior League, Athenians, and Garden Club, among many others. She was also a Master Gardener and loved growing plants and flowers.

Carolyn is survived by her daughters Carolyn Bunker (Joe) of Delavan, WI and Amanda Finch (Steve) of Kennesaw, GA; grandchildren Callie Bunker, Catherine Bunker Machen (Ben), Emily Finch, Alex Finch, and Claire Finch; great grandchildren Heidi Machen and Harper Machen; and many dear nieces, nephews, and relatives.

Visitation will be Sunday, March 30, at 1:00 pm with a funeral at 2:00 pm at Trinity Presbyterian Church. Graveside will follow at Greenwood Cemetery.