Laura Carillo

Mrs. Laura Gayle Allen Carrillo, age 63, of Rock Island, TN passed away Friday, July 3, 2026. She was born in Nashville, TN to the late Jerry and Nancy Milton Allen. Laura was a 1981 graduate of McGavock High School. Being known to have a certain style, she went on to attend cosmetology school where she continued her flair and wearing of numerous snappy hats.

Laura spent a majority of her professional career at Metro Parks where she thrived until her retirement after 30 years. Her love of antiques, history, decorating, cooking, and people made her a natural choice in her career as an event coordinator for Metro Parks. She was first assigned to Two River Mansion, then later for a short time to The Parthenon. In both places, she demonstrated a keen eye for details and worked tirelessly to please her guests. When the opportunity arose, Laura happily returned to her beloved Two Rivers Mansion – a job she truly loved. Laura enjoyed relating the history of the beautiful house as well as giving tours and coordinating events. She dedicated herself to the restoration and preservation of this historical Tennessee mansion as one of the founders of Friends of Two Rivers. Laura’s expertise was also used to oversee events at Stone Hall Mansion – another notable and historical home site in Hermitage, TN. Her passion for the history and preservation of Two Rivers and Stone Hall Mansions was evident and benefited both Metro government and the general public.

In addition to being a reliable and valued employee, Laura was a loyal, dedicated friend. She spent her years loving family, friends, and her little black and white Boston terriers. Beginning in her early childhood and continuing forward, Laura spent many, many happy times at Camp Overton in Rock Island. She loved this area so much that she and her husband bought the 1910 Historic Webb Hotel with the hopes of it being used as a bed and breakfast. She had big plans for this and referred to this as “her happy place.”

Laura is survived by her husband of 23 years, Joe Carrillo; brother, Pat Allen; children, Eric Early, Heather Pearson and her husband Tyler, and Jennifer Carrillo; grandchildren, Greyson Pearson, Aidan Piña, and Alyssa Piña; and lifelong friends, Kathy Cottrell and Robin Stetzel. She loved those around her; those who loved her back will forever deeply miss her.

Visitation with the family will be Saturday, July 11, 2026 from 12:00noon until 2:00pm at Woodfin Memorial Chapel. Funeral services will be held Saturday, July 11, 2026 at 2:00pm at Woodfin Memorial Chapel.