CAROLYN ANN TINKER DICKEY

Carolyn Ann Tinker Dickey-87 years old of McCalla, Alabama passed away peacefully at home on November 22, 2025, after a short battle with ovarian cancer. She lived a full and complete life despite her disabilities. As a graduate of Hueytown High School class of ’57, she went on to study music at the Birmingham Southern Music Conservatory where she became an accomplished concert level pianist. She played both piano and organ for many churches beginning with her hometown at First Baptist Church Brighton, Alabama. She went on to share with others her special gift so that they could love the piano as much as she had. Sadly, in later years, she was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis and, as a result, had to give up her love of playing. However, she was then able to turn her focus toward her second love which was painting, and as a gifted artist, she produced beautiful works of art. Focusing primarily on portrait art, she was commissioned by many to paint their loved ones. Knowing she did each portrait despite her disabilities made each one more special. She did unbelievable works of art that were praised by many all the way up until her death. She was also a gifted seamstress who could not only sew but create her own patterns and fashion designs. She even hand stitched a custom wedding dress for her youngest daughter. She was an artist at her core and never let her disability be an excuse. In equal measure, Carolyn also found great success in her professional career. She studied accounting at UAB which landed her for a lifelong career first with Liberty National Life Insurance Company in the Accounting Department where she transitioned to become an Investment Accountant for the Torchmark Corporation which afforded her the opportunity to travel throughout the United States and Canada. She made many friends as well as fond memories up until retirement. Carolyn was the third born of 5 children and went on to have five children of her own. She now joins her loved ones who passed on before her including her parents, Nelson & Jessie Tinker, brothers, Reabun (Ann) Tinker, Edward (Joyce) Tinker & Jimmy (Judy) Tinker and her brother in-law Randal Reid. She is survived by her sister Nancy Reid, her five children Chris (Lisa) Dickey, Camilla Dickey Gorham, Caye Dickey Alexander, Carol Dickey (David) Lowe & Connie Dickey (Ronald) Gafnea. She was the grandmother of Jonathan & Rachel Dickey, Jenifer & Camron Hardin, Candace Gorham, Jennifer Alexander Evans, Rebecca Alexander Bowden, Catherine Ann Roden Jones & Julie Ann Gafnea, and many step grandchildren, great & step great grandchildren & step step great grandchildren as well as many special nieces and nephews and extended family. She also leaves behind her dear friends that she made during her brief time in assisted living, Sarah Neny, Betty Ridley, Betty & Tom Pope, Tuiren Bratina, Phil & Jack Nicholson among many others. The family wishes to thank the wonderful caregivers of Amedisys Hospice Care & her sitters with Right at Home Care, Hoover. These people all hold a special place in the hearts of her children for the love and compassion they provided to her right up to the end. A celebration of Carolyn’s life will be held at Peoples Chapel Funeral Home, Hueytown, Alabama on Saturday, November 29, 2025, at 11:00 with visitation 1 hour before the service. Burial to follow at Valhalla Cemetery, Midfield, Alabama. Carolyn’s high school senior quote said it all…”To have just enough clouds in my life to paint a beautiful sunset!” and that she did until the end.