Effie Maxine Carroll

The Obituary

Effie Maxine Musgrow Carroll, beloved mother and grandmother, affectionately known by her family as “O.T” (On Time), passed away peacefully at her daughter’s home in Memphis, TN on July 15, 2022. She was born December 30, 1926 in Crocket County, TN to the late Willis and Mary Greer Musgrow.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 34 years, Lannell Carroll; a brother, James; sisters, Louise and Letha and a grandson, Kofi Carroll Strickland.

Mrs. Carroll graduated as class historian from Central High School in Alamo, TN. She matriculated at the University of Michigan and later returned to Jackson and continued her studies at Eddings Beauty School in Jackson, TN. After graduation, she used her skills to open her own beauty shop for many years. She often gave her time and used her skills to “beautify” young women in her community. Additionally, she loaned her “glam” dresses to them.

Mrs. Carroll was a homemaker, who loved to can and was noted for her varieties of homemade chow-chow (cha-cha) which she gave away as gifts. She became an avid lover of ceramics and created masterpieces which she passed on as gifts. She could “smock”, crochet and embroider with ease. Mrs. Carroll enjoyed sewing and made clothes for her family, as well as her friends. Her passion was working with children, and she worked many years as a teaching assistant in the Jackson City Schools. Maxine touched the lives of many children, their parents and influenced many young teachers.

Maxine was a devout Christian and was a member of The Historic First Baptist Church for over 50 years. She marched from the original First Baptist Church on Tanyard Street to its present location. An active congregant, she served on the Usher Board, the Culinary Committee and was a devout member of Ruth Circle. Her civic affiliations included AARP, block captain for Neighborhood Watch and she participated regularly as a poll worker for elections.

Mrs. Carroll is survived by her son, Darryl L. Carroll of Jackson, TN; daughters, Linda Hyman Seymour of Memphis, TN and Yolanda A. Carroll of Atlanta, GA; 4 grandchildren, Nigel Terrance (Tomeka) Vereen of Marietta, GA, Justin Blake Seymour of San Francisco, CA, Yusuf Naim Abdullah and Aneesa Yasmin Simons of Atlanta, GA; 5 great grandchildren; special cousins, Vikki Mullen and Mary Frances Musgrove Berry; special friends, Shirley Hicks, Mary McCorkle, Mabel Johnson and Louise Carter Johnson and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Missing her dearly is her beloved “fur baby”, Chubbs Carroll.