Carole Hatcher Flynn

Carole Hatcher Flynn, age 69, of Maryville, passed away peacefully with her family by her side after a courageous three-year battle with cancer.   Carole was a loving and devoted spouse, mother, grandmother, daughter, friend, sibling, and teacher. Born in Maryville to Lindbergh and Joyce Hatcher, Carole developed a passion for the art of baton twirling at a young age.  She was Head Majorette of the Everett High School Marching Band prior to her graduation in 1972 as well as the winner of over 300 awards in state, regional and national competitions, earning various titles including Miss Majorette of Tennessee, Southern States and Tri-State Majorette Queen, and Miss Majorette of the Southern States.   Carole would go on to transform her passion into a career as the Owner and Head Instructor of “Carole’s School of Baton” for over 35 years, from 1970 to 2005, instructing thousands of young girls and leading her teams to win hundreds of awards in state and national competitions. She took pride in developing her students into confident, strong young women and cherished seeing a number of her students go on to perform as majorettes in college. Carole’s other passion was her family.  She met her soulmate and husband, Pat Flynn, in high school, and they were married for over 48 years at the time of his passing in 2023.  Together, they lovingly raised two sons, Chris and Nicholas, before spending their retirement years traveling and enjoying their family.  Some of Carole’s most cherished memories were those of trips she took with family and friends to Hawaii, a place whose beauty and culture long held her affection. In more recent years, Carole and Pat dutifully and lovingly cared for her aging parents before Carole had to begin navigating her cancer diagnosis and treatment.   Faced with the discomfort inherent of her cancer as well as that of her treatment regimen, Carole fought with courage and strength much greater than her petite frame would suggest.  Though cancer eventually overcame her body, it did not break her fighting spirit. Carole is survived by her loving family, including son and daughter-in-law Chris and Leah Flynn, son and partner Nicholas Flynn and Lindsey Hale, grandsons Jack and Sam Flynn, brothers and sisters-in-law Mike and Kelly Hatcher and Steve and Carol Hatcher, Pat’s brothers, sister and sister-in-law Mike and Denette Flynn, Dennis Flynn, and Kelly Bailey, and many special nieces and nephews. Carole is preceded in death by her loving husband of 48 years, Pat Flynn, father Charles Lindbergh Hatcher, mother and best friend Joyce Walker Hatcher, mother-in-law Aileen Tarkington, and father-in-law Olin Flynn. Family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Friday, February 9th at Smith’s Trinity Chapel with a service to follow at 7:00 p.m., officiated by Pastor Greg Long. Family and friends will assemble for entombment at Grandview Cemetery on Saturday, February 10th at 11:00 a.m. Memorial contributions can be made to Special Olympics Blount County - Area 15 or Maryville City Schools Foundation Children’s Fund. Smith Funeral & Cremation Service 865-983-1000 www.smithlifeandlegacy.com