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Carolyn Yaden Emerson, 75, of Stanford, KY passed away on Sunday, April 7, 2024 at UK Bluegrass Hospice Care Center in Lexington, KY. Born on May 14, 1948 in Mt. Olive, KY, to the late Delbert and Ruby Durham Hatter.

Carolyn was a woman of many talents and accomplishments. A proud graduate of Casey County High School in 1966, she went on to earn Bachelors and Masters degrees from Eastern Kentucky University. Carolyn dedicated her professional life to the noble cause of education, teaching at Lincoln County High School, and founding the Culinary Program in the new LC Tech Center, until her retirement. Carolyn’s passion for nurturing young minds extended beyond the classroom; she was a sponsor of FCCLA (formerly known as Future Homemakers of America) and worked for the Junior Miss Committee (now Distinguished Young Women) for many years. Carolyn loved spending time with her family and especially enjoyed cooking for and with her grandchildren. She was an avid traveler, collecting magnets from all her adventures. She was a loyal friend and active member of Baptist Young Women for many years. She was a member of Stanford Baptist Church. Carolyn was the epitome of grace, kindness and class who always tempered a reprimand with a bit of sugar.

Survivors include her loving husband, Gerald Emerson, two sons, Darren Yaden (Rachael) of Stanford; and Don Yaden II (Cristy) of Lexington, KY; and one daughter, Donya Robbins (Derek) of Danville, KY; two step-sons, Brent Emerson (Beth) of Homeworth, OH; and Brian Emerson (Devon) of Winchester, KY; two brothers, Shannon Hatter and Larry Hatter; six grandchildren, Grayson Yaden, Bryson Yaden (Elle), Brody Baker, Jenna Baker, Sidney Yaden and Trey Yaden; four step-grandchildren, Avery, Wyatt, Brenna and Blake; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her first husband, Don Yaden; parents, Delbert and Ruby Hatter, one sister June Ross.

Visitation will be on Thursday, April 11, 2024 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Spurlin Funeral Home in Stanford, KY. The funeral service will be on Friday, April 12, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at Spurlin Funeral Home with Bro. Greg Hancock and Dr. Jeremy Johnson officiating. Burial will follow at Buffalo Springs Cemetery in Stanford, KY.

Active Pallbearers (Nephews): Dale Hatter, Davey Hatter, Donald Hatter, Marty Hatter, Kevin Hatter, Mike Hatter, Ron Ross, Roger Ross, Rodney Ross, and Karl Ross

Memorials in lieu of flowers may be donated to:

Lincoln County High School, Family Consumer Science Department, 60 Education Way, Stanford, KY 40484

Spurlin Funeral Home in Stanford, KY is in charge of arrangements.