A solid modeling career at age 17 in 1952

Caroline was born (February 11, 1935) and raised in Washington D.C. She graduated from McKinley High School and attended Phyllis Bell Modeling School. Besides modeling, Caroline also attended The Washington School for Secretaries. My first job was at American Security and Trust Company, she explained.

Following the pattern of many women in the 50s, Caroline married in 1955 and became a stay at home mom to three children (Don Gibson Jr., Linda, and Gary).

Caroline in 1957

    She also went back to work. She worked for Hallmark Investment Company, Falls Church. Although she probably didn’t have the title at the time, she was the corporate event planner for the company in charge of all company dinners and stockholder meetings.

    Easter Sunday, 1974, was the turning point of Caroline’s life. That’s the day she met Bud Lehman at an Easter celebration at her sister's house. It was a pretty funny meeting, laughs Caroline. First of all, Bud didn’t pay attention to me, he thought I was one of the kids. Then he brought some candy for my sister, but it had all melted together. Then top things off, one of my children told him he had a hole in his shoe. Things could only go up from there. Caroline joined Knox church later in 1974, as she says, "So we could continue our romance."

    Things definitely got better. Caroline and Bud were married November 6, 1976, at Knox Presbyterian Church. The newlyweds moved in to Bud’s house in Fairfax, with plans to buy a retirement home in Florida. Florida didn’t work out, and they now own a townhouse in Ocean City.

    Caroline seems to have a need to keep busy and supporting Bud in his activities in the credit managers association and Kiwanis Club has given her ample opportunity. She joined the Arlington Ki-Wives Club in 1977 and held every office including president. She was also named Ki-Wives Woman of the Year, 1983 and International Ki-Wife of the Year in 1987.

Caroline and Bud Lehman were married at Knox on November 6, 1976

As First Lady of the National Association of Credit Management she and Bud traveled the world. But Caroline’s energy didn’t stop there. She has also served as an elder and membership chairman for Knox. She also served on the renovation and stewardship committees.

And in her free time she was president of the Nine Hold Golfers at Fairfax Country Club and secretary of the women golf division; president of the Mosby Woods Bowling League.

During the past few years, my work for my beloved Knox has been cut back because I never know how I will feel. I gave up bowling and golf because these old lungs wouldn’t help me anymore, she said with a wistful smile. But, she continued with a smile Bud and I share six grandchildren and enjoy movies, eating out, visits to Atlantic City; and reading non-fiction.

Of course, one of my greatest pleasures is pointing out to Bud what weeds need pulling and what plants need water, she laughed.

Life is good and I am very thankful for all I have.

~~Thanks to Robbie Snow for the above interview.
Robbie will be reporting each month of the life of one of our Knox women.