Carolyn Biggio entered into rest on Sunday, April 26, 2026. The Family will have visitation at Crestwood Memorial Funeral Home on Friday from 12:45pm until the funeral service at 2pm.

She loved everyone and was always ready to hug your neck, have a laugh and share a Miller Lite if you wanted one. An empath through and through, Carolyn shared in the pain of others, but she made it her mission to be a light in their lives.

Born in Murfreesboro, Tennessee to parents that she treasured, Carolyn moved to Gadsden, Alabama at a young age. She graduated from Gadsden High School in 1965. Then she attended Gadsden State Community College where she was so beloved that she was voted in as the first ever Miss Gadsden State. With her characteristic humor, she joked that she won at a time when she weighed "two pounds less than a ton." Next, Carolyn headed to Tuscaloosa and earned a Bachelor's Degree in Home Economics, followed by a Master’s Degree in Special Education. She devoted 30 years to teaching special education, leaving a lasting impact on numerous students. She often said, "You don't pick this field - it picks you."

Carolyn had many loves. She loved the Lord first and foremost. She loved playing the accordion and found comfort in the ticking and chiming of the antique clocks she so carefully collected. Her appreciation for antiques led her to estate sales quite often, always in search of the next collectable. She loved girls’ trips to the casinos, but above all, she loved her friends. Carolyn had a gift for nurturing relationships - she loved to chat, but had a listening ear as well. Her home reflected that love for connection, with a phone in every single room (including her bathroom) to make sure that she didn’t miss a call.

A dedicated member of her community, she was the President of the Gadsden Teachers Association during her career. Years later, she became an active member of the Red Hat Society, and worshipped at Southside United Methodist Church. Never one to sit still, she also founded the “Come Smile a While Club,” complete with door prizes, all in an effort to be a light in the world.

Carolyn is survived by her son, Ken Wilson; her husband Dan Biggio; her great-aunt Peggie White; her sister-in-law, Glenda Whitley; her sister, Kay (Ray); her nephews, Jeff Whitley (Carol) and Steve Whitley (Paula); her nieces, Susan Whitley and Kim Hawkins (Vince); her stepsons, Jim and Bill Biggio (Catharine); her stepdaughter, Kate (Robby); as well as 2 grandsons, a niece, a great-granddaughter, 4 great-nephews and 4 great-nieces.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Harold and Martha Whitley and her brother, Frank.

Carolyn’s light will continue because of her warmth, her humor, and the countless ways she made others feel seen, heard, and loved.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to Southside United Methodist Church to celebrate her light.

https://www.southsideumc.com/