BABER, Carolyn Rudd Stonnell, died peacefully on Friday, August 21, 2009. She was the daughter of Clayton Anderson Stonnell and Nellie Mae Sheldon Stonnell. Carolyn is survived by her husband of 51 years, James Pendleton Baber; her daughter, Courtenay Baber; another daughter, Catherine Fleischman and her husband, Luke; and a son, Clayton Anderson Baber and his wife, Kay. She cherished her three grandchildren, Jacqueline Alward, Carol Baber, and John Baber. Carolyn recently celebrated the birth of her first great-grandchild, Tristan Alward. Carolyn also leaves two sisters, Nellie Mae Cox and Janet Gray. A lifelong lover of flowers, Carolyn was a talented designer and accredited National Flower Show judge. She was cofounder and charter member of the Cartersville Garden Club and served as its president. She served on local, regional and national committees, and chaired the Blue Star Memorial. In 2009, the Virginia Federation of Garden Clubs Inc. presented her with a Special Recognition for Outstanding Garden Club Member - a distinguished national award. She was a member of the Sheldon Family Association and the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution. After attending Meredith College, then earning B.A. and M.S. degrees from Longwood College, she was a teacher and administrator in Cumberland County Public Schools and finished her teaching career at Huguenot Academy. An accomplished equestrian, she competed nationally at Madison Square Garden astride her beloved "Ebony King," and went on to breed and train horses on her farm, Doubletree. She was a longtime member of Deep Run Hunt Club, served on its board, and is often credited with "bringing the mounted hunt to Cumberland County." Always a writer, Carolyn drew from her experiences with horses and farming to craft her stories. Two of her children's stories, Little Billy and Pony were published in the 90s. Following in her parents footsteps, she was a knowledgeable farmer and lumberwoman. It was not unusual to find her trekking across hill and dale to get a good look at a stand of pines or locate an a.w.o.l. steer. Passionate about music and art, she often played the organ at her church and loved to play and sing at her piano. She was blessed with the gift of hospitality, and loved to entertain for any reason or none at all. She was an active member of the Fox and Hounds dinner club and even hosted its latest party just three weeks ago. Remains rest at her residence, Doubletree Farm at 246 Meador Road, where the family will receive friends on Tuesday, August 25 from 4 to 8 p.m. A graveside service will take place on Wednesday, August 26 at 10 a.m. at a family gravesite on Greenfield Farm at 700 Cartersville Road. Memorial contributions can be made to the American Lung Association, the S.P.C.A., Riverside School, Blue Star Memorial Marker or a charity of your choice. Norman Funeral Home handling arrangements.
This obituary was originally published in the Richmond Times-Dispatch.