Carolyn Elizabeth Tilghman , 72, of Fredericksburg, VA, departed this life on October 19, 2025. She was born in Bluefield, Virginia, to the late Robert Cary and Gladys Hodnett Watkins. Her family later moved to the Fredericksburg area where she graduated from Stafford High School. There she played clarinet and she would often tell stories about her band experiences under the direction of Mr. Easley. After earning her Bachelor's Degree in Mathematics from the University of Maryland, and marrying Ralph Tilghman, Carolyn began a career in Computer Science and settled in Spotsylvania County. She raised her two daughters there, placing them in activities such as ballet with Fredericksburg Ballet Centre, and even taking classes there herself! Carolyn really enjoyed the performing arts, going with her family to shows and performances like that of Alvin Ailey, or acquiring video recordings of musicals and events such as Motown 25. She also sang in the choir at First Baptist Church of Love where she was a long time member and diligently held the position of Treasurer. She recently retired from the Naval Surface Warfare Center in Dahlgren after serving as a Systems Safety Scientist for nearly 20 years, and working in the defense field for over 40 years.

Carolyn was devoted to her children and worked hard to provide for them. She had a quiet courage and an adventurous spirit and enjoyed traveling, from accompanying her sister on her vacation all the way to Cancun, to checking out the art and history of Charleston with her daughters for her birthday. She also enjoyed simply relaxing at home and could be found sitting on the porch reading a magazine, or doing a puzzle or playing a computer game.

Carolyn definitely also had a silly side, and her children will forever remember "mom's dance" that would show up, and her wonderful smile and laugh, even though she didn't like to smile for pictures!

Carolyn is preceded in death by her parents, Robert Cary and Gladys Hodnett Watkins; siblings, Gladys Stewart and Robert Watkins Jr.; and niece, Kathy Watkins. She is survived by daughters, Karen Mitchell and Michelle Tilghman; grandchildren, Serenity, Langston, Genevieve, and Kipling Mitchell; brother, Harold Watkins; former sister-in-law Gwendolyn Watkins; niece Kim White; nephews Bryant Watkins, Derrick Watkins, and Anthony Watkins and an extended family who love her very much.

A viewing will be held at First Baptist Church of Love, 124 Bend Farm Road, Fredericksburg, VA 22408, on Saturday, November 1, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 12:45 PM. A funeral service will follow at 1:00 PM. The interment will follow at Glen Haven Memory Gardens, 1392 Warrenton Road, Fredericksburg, VA 22406.