Carolyn graduated Magna Cum Laude from Carson Newman College in 1960 and married Tom Jensen in June of that year. That year, she also started a long career at the YWCA in Knoxville becoming its Executive Director. In 1989 she took a leave of absence to co-direct the Bicentennial Celebration for Knoxville. She left the YW in 1995 to become the Senior Field Representative for United States Senator Bill Frist. She served in that office for the 12 years of his tenure including his service as the Majority Leader of the
Senate. Carolyn is now the Development Director for Alzheimer's Association. Amid all of her many interests, she has given birth to two accomplished children who have presented her with four grandchildren. Carolyn was the youngest woman ever chosen as "First Lady of Knoxville". She has taught Sunday School throughout her adult life and served two terms on the Board of Trustees at Carson Newman College.