Carolyn Evans' Obituary
Carolyn Neal Douglass Evans peacefully entered God’s heavenly realm on March 3, 2024 at the age of 87, after a six month cancer diagnosis. Her gentle, caring, loving spirit will be truly missed by all who loved Carolyn.
Carolyn was born in Austin, Texas to the late Elnora and Neal Douglass on August 9, 1936. Her parents divorced when she was two years old and Elnora raised her and her sister, Connie, lovingly by working at the Driscoll Hotel along with being the first female photographer for The Austin Statesman. Carolyn graduated from Austin High School in 1954 and entered college for a short time. She worked in the insurance business as a bookkeeper and then underwriter for most of her career at Dallas-based Maxon, Mahoney, Turner; Puritan and Hanover. She retired in 1996 and enjoyed more time spent with her family.
Carolyn would tell anyone she met, her greatest accolade was raising her daughter, Defae, and son, Lawrence. The family grew up in Arlington, Dallas and settled in Richardson. She enjoyed pouring into her children’s lives as Girl Scout and Boy Scout troop leader, created memorable birthday celebrations and exciting Christmas mornings. She even rose to the occasion as fried fish extraordinaire on family camping trips around the state of Texas.
Carolyn met Dean Evans on a blind date in 1978 and they were inseparable. Some of their favorite dates included attending polo matches at Willow Bend Polo Club followed with dinner and dancing. The couple married in the fall of 1978 and treasured 38 years of wedded bliss until Dean’s death in 2015. Their faith was at the center of their marriage and Carolyn had a quiet way of sharing her personal faith with those around her. She believed in the Golden Rule and always treated others the way she wanted to be treated. Her Christian spirit of patience, kindness, gentleness, and selflessness was exemplified in her life. Her legacy of faith will live on through her family for generations.
Carolyn loved her family deeply and when grandchildren came into her life, she became the best Grandma imaginable. Shopping trips to the mall, sleepovers including ice cream for breakfast and trips to the movies are some of their fondest memories. She treasured family gatherings and loved to fill her home with laughter. Carolyn loved to make others laugh, whether with her family, closest friends, or even a perfect stranger. She was quick with her one liners and enjoyed getting a laugh in response.
Carolyn’s legacy will live on through the memories she leaves behind. She is survived by children, Defae Weaver (husband, Ron) and Lawrence Haskew (wife, Janie), both of Carrollton, Texas. Grandchildren Diana Rowland, Ryan and Mallory Weaver, Elise and Alex Coleman, and Bethany Haskew; stepchildren, Pete Evans, Helen and Jim Baskin, Mary Evans. Step-grandchildren Dean and Anne Baskin, Andrea and Matt Snyder. Great grandchildren Audrey, Kinzley, Erin, Rhett, Noah, Alice, Clara, Chloe and Elizabeth. Carolyn was preceded in death by her husband, Dean, older sister Connie Vanzura, and niece Pamela Russo.
A visitation will be held on Friday, March 8 from 6:00-7:00pm at Restland Funeral Home.
A celebration of Carolyn’s life will be held on Saturday, March 9 at 2:00pm at St. Andrew Methodist Church in the Hasley Chapel, 5811 W. Plano Pkwy., Plano, TX 75093 with a reception immediately following in Piro Hall. To honor her legacy please feel free to wear her favorite color, blue.
In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to be made to The Storehouse of Collin County Seven Loaves at thestorehousecc.org whose mission is to feed, clothe and care for our neighbors in our community.
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