Rachel Carolyn Cunningham

It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of Rachel Carolyn Cunningham (Begley Donelson), on Sunday October 26, 2025, at BRMC at the age of 82. She lived a full and beautiful life .

Her parents were Mary Ruth Kern and John Nelson Donelson. She was born on February 27, 1943, and shared a birthday with her beloved daughter. She graduated from Lynn View High School and she also studied at Liberty University. She was known for her kindness, devotion to family, and concern for others.

She worked 10 years with Holston Valley Midwifery Service which she enjoyed. She loved working for the Salvation Army and for Scott County Department of Social Services, retiring in 2003. She loved the Lord with her whole heart and attended many churches with Providence Fellowship being the most recent.

Carolyn is survived by her husband William and her son Steve. She was preceded in death by her daughter Vanessa Begley-Stapleton and her son Timothy Alex (TAB) Begley, brothers Clyde Hill and Carl Hill; sister, Henrietta Roach. She is survived by her grandchildren: Rachel Salyers, Preston Begley, Amber Smith, Tiffany Blevins, Teili Cunningham and Wyatt Begley and 7 great- grandchildren.; brother, Joe Hill; special friend, Joyce Bowen.

A Celebration of her life will be held at Trinity Memorial Service on October 30th at 1 pm. The family will receive friends from 11am to 1 pm. The burial will follow at East Lawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, you may donate to the food bank of your choice as Carolyn loved helping others.

Carolyn’s warmth and love will be remembered forever by all who knew her.

Trinity Memorial Centers Funeral Home (423-723-8177) is honored to serve the family, online condolences can be shared with the family on our website at www.trinitymemorialcenters.com.