Carolyn J. Kniffen

Carolyn Janet Kniffen, 79, of Tyler entered Heaven’s gate May 20, 2018. We take comfort in knowing she did not go to the Garden alone and we will see her soon! Carolyn was born August 4, 1938 and raised in Clyde, TX where she was a cheerleader, a basketball player and a State Championship tennis player. On August 24, 1957, she married her high school sweetheart, Freddie Kniffen. They lived in Abilene, TX for 16 years, then moved to Tyler where they spent the next 45 years. They shared a special love. They were a team. They loved, and they were loved. Carolyn was a loving, gracious, humble and faithful woman of God. A devoted mother and homemaker. So many lives were touched by her sweet spirit and her servant’s heart. She will be remembered for the love she shared with her devoted husband, her love for all of her family, friends, students, tennis players and everyone she met. She loved to host people in her home for dinners, Bible Studies, or just a cup of coffee and a visit. She was “Mrs. Coach” to Coach Fred Kniffen. She was the Matriarch of UT Tyler, TJC, and Abilene tennis. She traveled to matches from coast to coast and was every player’s biggest cheerleader. She was a staple of the tennis community not only in Texas, but nationwide. Her impact on teams from decades ago to present-time will never be forgotten. She is survived by her beloved husband, Fred Kniffen; her children and spouses, Janet (Jeff) Scholl, Dallas, TX; Judy (Travis) Clardy, Nacogdoches, TX; J’Lynn (Micky) Navarro; Dale (Wendy) Kniffen; 13 loving grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren; and her sister, Madeline Newton (Weatherford, TX). She was preceded in death by her parents, Bailey & Modena Johnson and her brother, Tommy Johnson. The family will receive friends on Thursday, May 24, 2018 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Stewart Family Funeral Home, 7525 Old Jacksonville Hwy, Tyler. A funeral service celebrating her life will be held Friday, May 25, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at Shiloh Road Church of Christ, 1801 Shiloh Rd, Tyler. Burial will follow at Rose Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Bailey Johnson Scholarship Fund, First Financial Bank of Clyde, 718 Elm St., Clyde, TX 79510 or (https://www.gofundme.com/bailey-johnson-scholarship-fund). This is the day the Lord has made. We WILL rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24

Carolyn J. Kniffen

August 4, 1938 - May 20, 2018