Carmen Zavala McArdle

Carmen Zavala McArdle A loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend she left this world suddenly on April 29, 2021 at the age of 74. Carmen was born in Manhattan, New York on December 7, 1946 to the late Marcelino and Sophia Zavala. Carmen may have given birth to only Jan, but she had so many more children, her heart had so much love to share and that’s what she did. She was the “neighborhood” Mom. Carmen’s open arms were a safe haven and comforting to those who knew her. “She taught us how unconditional love isn’t defined by sight, but by truly loving a person not based off of anything else but true unconditional love.” She and husband Robert loved their Yankees and made sure to watch every game they could. Carmen was also a devoted Dallas Cowboys fan, which was never held against her. Her family supported her choice and simply enjoyed watching her cheer on the teams. Carmen also loved playing Dominos with family and her “Bobby”. Carmen attended all of the orchestra concerts of her granddaughter, Hayley, that she could along with granddaughter, Hannah’s, soccer games that were played in town. She collected every newspaper article and kept every program that was written about her granddaughters. Carmen had a laugh that was contagious. Her love was unconditional. Carmen will be missed by many. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Tony Gonzales, two sisters, Lola Gonzalez and Irene Cruz. Those left to cherish her memory are her husband, married on January 30, 1970 and together for 51 years, Robert “Bobby”; daughter, Jannifer Dawson and husband David Dawson Jr.; granddaughters, Hayley Elyce Hodges and Hannah Marie Dawson; several nieces and nephews. The visitation for Carmen will be conducted from 5:00-7:00 p.m. Friday, May 7, 2021 in the East Parlor of Appalachian Funeral Home, 800 E. Watauga Ave. Johnson City, TN 37601. The funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, May 8, 2021 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 2211 E. Lakeview Dr. Johnson City, TN 37601, with Fr. Dustin Collins, officiating. The graveside committal service will follow in Oak Hill Cemetery, Johnson City. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for you to visit their fundraiser page at https://gofund.me/ab69cd47 or if you have any questions please call Appalachian Funeral Home at (423)928-6111.Read Obituary