Elizabeth Carnahan

Elizabeth Ann Runyan Carnahan, 89, of Hendersonville, TN, entered into the presence of her Lord and Savior on Sunday, January 4, 2026. She was a loving and much-loved Christian wife, mother, nana, sister, aunt and friend.

 Elizabeth was born on July 16, 1936, to Lonnie Clabe Runyan and Nancy Forestine Henegar Runyan in Bridgeport, AL. She was raised in Chattanooga and briefly lived in Oak Ridge during World War II. She was selected as the May Queen of Central High School of Chattanooga before graduating in 1954. She worked as a bookkeeper for Volunteer Life in downtown Chattanooga where she met and married Earl on May 20, 1961. After briefly living in Waco, TX, they settled in Hendersonville, TN.

 Elizabeth and Earl had a wonderful life together raising a family while serving others and worshipping the Lord at Bluegrass Baptist Church, now Indian Lake Peninsula Church. She loved studying her Bible, being available to help friends, all things Vacation Bible School and teaching Sunday School – especially 4th graders and an adult ladies class. She created a happy and welcoming home. She cooked so her family could eat together every day. She traveled with her family all over the country (46 states) visiting relatives, trying new food and seeing new places. She made pound cakes for Dad, chocolate gravy and homemade bread for her children and grandchildren and Chex mix and Martha Washington candies at Christmas. She loved being outdoors swimming and diving, canoeing and boating on the lake, raking leaves and playing in the snow or sitting on her porch to pray. She was the Mom and Nana who got her hair wet at the pool! She enjoyed playing cards and games and also quiet nights by the fireplace listening to records or watching old movies. She delighted in long breakfasts topped off with hot sweet coffee and toast with jam. She liked reading the newspaper and loved visiting with friends and family over the phone or in person.

 Elizabeth had a smile that could light up a room. When she greeted you, you could feel her love and joy and God’s love as well. In her own words: “I’ve lived an unimpressive life by the world’s standards. I’ve had a wonderful life because of God’s wonderful love and grace.” 

Elizabeth was preceded in death by her husband Earl after 62 years of marriage and is survived by her children Bob Carnahan (Kim) of Lake Oswego, OR, Mary Sanders (Ed) of Jasper, AL, and Susan Carnahan (Earl Dingman) of Knoxville, TN; grandchildren Taylor Carnahan, Hazel Carnahan, Parker Carnahan, Finn Carnahan, Ned Sanders and Bonnie Rhodes (Braxton). 

The family will celebrate Elizabeth’s life on January 17 at Hendersonville Memory Gardens. Visitation will begin at 12:30 with the service at 2:00 and burial following. If you feel so led, an excellent way to honor Elizabeth’s life would be to give to the Lottie Moon Offering for International Missions at www.imb.org or through a Southern Baptist church or donate to a Christian mission organization of your choice.