Eileen M. Carver

Eileen Martin Carver, 98, went to her heavenly home on Thursday, May 7, 2026. She was born in the Zion Hill area to Henry and Edith Martin on August 25, 1927. She remained in the Zion Hill area where she had a full and beautiful life. She was married to her loving husband, Jim Carver, for 56 years. She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband, her siblings and their spouses, Ruby and Rich Bowers, Claude Martin, Wayne and Tinker Martin, many in-laws, nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

Eileen was a Christian, first and foremost. She loved her Savior and demonstrated that love to everyone she met. She was a life-long member of Zion Hill Baptist Church in Englewood, where the original church building is named after her, the Eileen Carver Building. She was a very active church member throughout her life as she taught Sunday School, led children's classes, served in the women's ministry, hosted VBS youth groups at her home, cooked for Zion Hill's BIG Kids summer camp, always aided and served those who were sick or grieving, and she was a mighty prayer warrior. She adored her Sunday School class, and all the ladies in the class who walked through life with her.

Eileen was an excellent cook, cake artist, and catered many weddings. She was famous for her delicious coconut cake. She enjoyed golfing and was in a bowling league for over 30 years. She was a founding member of The Luncheon Pilot Club of Athens, having served in various leadership positions. Eileen was also an avid traveler and loved making trips to Dollywood.

One of her first jobs was at the Red Table Company, where her boss would become her beloved spouse, Jim. She said, "He started out being my boss man, but I turned into his boss lady!" She left the table company to go care for their aging parents, but was quickly recruited by Webb Heat and Air. She would finish her career working 30 years at TVA.

Eileen is survived by nieces Rhonda Martin Walsh, Sharon Kay Poteet Scoggins, Sheila Martin Holden, Dianne Martin, Karla Martin Masengil, Ginger Martin, Allyson Martin Kirkland, several nieces and nephews on the Carver side, and many great nieces and nephews, and sister-in-laws, Dot Haney and Helen Carver.

She is also survived by numerous special friends and her dear friend, Virginia Hennessee. While she was not blessed with any biological children, the Lord did immensely bless her with an "adopted grandson", Cody Casteel, whom she loved and adored.

Special thanks to Ms. Darla Henley, Starr Regional Health and Rehabilitation of Etowah, and Hospice of Chattanooga for the kindness and love shown to Eileen over the last few months.

Family and friends will gather for a graveside service on May 13, 2026 at 4:00PM at Zion Hill Cemetery. Her beloved pastor, Pastor Justin Brown, and Pastor Cody Casteel will preside over the service.

Caleb Martin, Robby Casteel, Scott Cass, Tracey Brown, Dickie Slack, Hudson Brown, Holden Brown, and Gary Culberson will serve as pallbearers.

Eileen's mother often told her to give her flowers while she was alive, but when she entered her heavenly home, she would no longer need flowers. Eileen lived by this statement. She believed in showering the living with blessings. Therefore, in lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Eileen's memory and honor to an area of ministry at her beloved church: Zion Hill's Children Ministry, Zion Hill's Building Program, or the Ministries of Ann Smith's Sunday School Class.

You are invited to share a personal memory of Eileen or your condolences with her family at her online memorial located at www.companionfunerals.com. Companion Funeral Home of Athens and the Cody family are honored to assist the family with these arrangements.