Carolyn deLais Nolan “Tara” 

September 26, 1950 – June 21, 2026

Carolyn deLais Nolan, affectionately known as "Tara," was born on September 26, 1950, in Dallas, Texas, to Dr. Thomas Campbell Nolan II and Carolyn Robinson Nolan. She grew up in Montgomery, Alabama, where her father practiced pediatrics and her mother was a nurse. Originally named Carolyn after her mother, she received the nickname "Tara" when her younger brother, Tommy, arrived a year later. "Carolyn" proved to be too much of a mouthful for a toddler, so he simply called her Tara—a name that remained with her throughout her life.

After graduating from Sidney Lanier High School in 1968, Tara enrolled at Auburn University as a student in the Department of Art. In those days, being an art major was more than a course of study—it was a way of life. She often spoke fondly of "living" in Biggin and Smith Halls alongside the close-knit community of fellow art students. In truth, being an Auburn student during the late 1960s and early 1970s was a special experience for everyone fortunate enough to be there.

Tara graduated in 1974 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Visual Arts. Although she continued creating art throughout her life, photography became her greatest artistic passion. A gifted photographer, she worked wonders in the darkroom and practiced photography both professionally and personally. Countless families cherish the priceless photographs she captured of their children and loved ones. Through her lens, she also preserved the spirit of Auburn from the 1970s to the present. Among her most treasured memories were those captured during her travels to Mexico, Nova Scotia, Ireland, and Israel. A collection of these travel photographs was later featured in an exhibition at the Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center.

Throughout her years in Auburn, Tara wore many hats. She worked as a graphic artist for Auburn University's Educational Television Department and later shared her love of art and photography with children through The Village School's after-school program. Teaching brought her great joy, leading her to return to Auburn University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Art Education in 1982. She taught art at Lee-Scott Academy for several years before opening her own women's and children's clothing consignment shop, Options.

Later, Tara began a successful career in real estate under the guidance of William Dean of The Dean Agency. William remained both a mentor and a lifelong friend. Over the years, Tara worked with several real estate agencies, forming many lasting friendships along the way.

While Tara was deeply talented and passionate about the arts, her greatest love was her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. She was never legalistic or overbearing in her faith. Instead, she had a remarkable ability to meet people where they were and share Christ's love with kindness and grace. A longtime member of Abundant Life Church under Pastor Richard McCollough, Tara was a devoted prayer warrior. She faithfully prayed with church prayer groups, over the telephone, and one-on-one with countless individuals. Her prayers and quiet encouragement helped lead many people to faith and into the church. Her relationship with God was at the very center of who she was.

Twenty-eight years ago, Tara courageously overcame breast cancer. About seven years ago, a new breast cancer was discovered, and it quickly metastasized to her bones. She faced this diagnosis with remarkable courage, pursuing multiple treatments that successfully held the disease at bay for nearly seven years. Tara chose to keep her illness private for much of that time because she wanted people to see her as she had always been—not through the lens of concern for her health.

Thanks to the loving support of her friends, Tara was able to remain in her home almost until the end of her life. She was moved to Bethany House on Friday evening and passed away peacefully on Sunday evening, June 21, 2026. Earlier that day, she was blessed by visits from many family members and dear friends.

Tara was preceded in death by her parents, Dr. Thomas Campbell Nolan II and Carolyn Robinson Nolan; her brother, Thomas C. Nolan III; and her sister, Ruth Corrigan Nolan.

She is survived by her sister-in-law, Nita Moore Nolan; her nieces and nephews, Lorri Nolan Simpson (Fred), Rick Nolan, Amanda Nolan McCallum (Patrick), Thomas Nolan IV "Buddy" (Lanna), and Loni Foster Davis; 12 grandnieces and grandnephews; one great-grandniece; and her beloved "honorary children," Eron, Anna, and Justin Carruth.

A Celebration of Life honoring Tara will be held at Trinity Church, 800 2nd Avenue, Opelika, Alabama, on Saturday, July 18, 2026, at 2:00 p.m., with a reception immediately following in the Fellowship Hall.

In keeping with Tara's wishes, friends are invited to share their favorite memories of her and what she meant to them during the celebration. Nothing would have pleased Tara more than hearing the stories of the lives she touched.