Mary Carlene Everett

Mary Carlene “Carlene” Everett was born on November 6, 1944, to Carl and Leone Palmer in Alcoa, Tennessee. She grew up in the Alcoa/Maryville area and was always known for her feisty spirit and her deep love for animals, especially horses. In 1960 she welcomed her daughter, Elisa, and together they lived in the Alcoa/Maryville area for many years. Carlene and Elisa were well known for taking in stray animals and caring for the sick and injured ones that crossed their path. Over the years, Carlene worked in several manufacturing jobs and eventually found her way to Animal Health Center around 1984–1985. In 1986, she joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where she faithfully attended for many years. Carlene later met her husband, Dr. James “Jim” Everett, DVM. They were married on January 22, 1988, and through this marriage she gained two sons, James Everett II (Jammy) and Joseph Everett (Joey). At that time, she left her job at Animal Health Center but continued to ride along with Jim on his farm calls. They later moved to the Friendsville area, and she proudly sent both of her boys on missions for the LDS church—something that brought her great joy and pride. In 2000, Carlene became a grandmother for the first time. Over the next several years, she was blessed with seven more grandchildren. She loved each of them dearly, whether they lived near or far. In 2007, Carlene and Jim moved to Crossville, Tennessee, where she continued attending The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints with her family. She also helped Jim with his work inspecting veterinary clinics across Middle and East Tennessee until she was no longer able due to her health. Between 2024 and 2025, Carlene became a great-grandmother to three boys, a role she cherished. Carlene passed away peacefully on Thursday, November 27, 2025. She is survived by her husband, James Everett; sister, Levada Fowler; brother, Kenneth Palmer Sr.; sons, James Everett II (Mandee) and Joseph Everett (Katy); grandchildren, Jalene Hannah (Simon), Janele Brown (Ben), Ellie Reeves (Jeremy), Karson Everett, Olivia Everett, Landen Everett, Madelyn Everett, and Tate Everett; great-grandchildren, Johnathan Hannah, Benjamin Brown III, and Callum Reeves; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Elisa Hensley; grandson, Carl Hensley; her parents, Carl and Leone Palmer; and her sister Patricia as well as a host of beloved animals she cared for throughout her life.