Carolyn Stewart's Obituary
Carolyn Julia Stewart, a beloved wife, devoted mother and grandmother, cherished friend, respected business owner, and faithful servant of Christ, passed peacefully into the arms of her Savior on July 4, 2026.
Born in Buda, Texas, on October 2, 1942, to Hans and Irene Tetens, Carolyn grew up in the Austin area alongside her two older sisters, Clarice (Klingeman) and Elaine (Walther). She attended Travis High School where she made lifelong friends before continuing her education at Texas Tech University and Southwest Texas State University (now Texas State University). While serving as the maid of honor in her best friend Dorothy's wedding, she met the love of her life, Carroll Stewart, who was the best man. They were married on April 10, 1962.
Carolyn was overjoyed to welcome her son, David Driscoll, in July 1964 and her daughter, Allison Arlene in January 1970. In 1972, she embraced a move to Dallas with Carroll when his career took them away from Austin, comforted by his promise that they would, of course, return often to visit family and friends on weekends and holidays. Carolyn devoted herself wholeheartedly to raising her children and often volunteered at their schools and activities, always making herself available not only to her own children but also to their friends. In 1972, tirelessly studying while her children were still in school, Carolyn completed her degree in History at the University of Texas at Dallas. Later she would serve as a substitute teacher.
After her children were grown, Carolyn joined Carroll in the family business, where she quickly became an indispensable partner. She strengthened operations across every department, built lasting relationships with brokers, employees, and business partners, and provided thoughtful insight on important decisions. Carolyn and Carroll treasured the many longtime employees and professional relationships they considered family.
Becoming "Mimi" to her four grandchildren was Carolyn's greatest joy.
Her first grandson, Aven Grey, was born in June 1997 and is now engaged to Bailey Turfitt. He was followed by her only granddaughter, Ansley Julia, in 1999, then Liam Carroll in April 2001, and Austin Douglas in March 2003. Nothing made her happier than visiting with the grandchildren by family dinners, vacations, (especially the annual family and sometimes friends trip to Florida’s 30A every year) and attending all of their sporting events, performances, and activities. Many of their friends and the parents of their friends still remember the unwavering love and support that Carolyn and Carroll showed by always being there for the grandchildren.
Carolyn's faith was the foundation of her life. She shared it naturally through her gentle spirit, compassionate heart, and the genuine care she showed to everyone she met. She had a remarkable gift for nurturing lasting friendships and making others feel deeply loved. Carolyn and Carroll were longtime members of Arapaho Road Baptist Church, where they enjoyed many wonderful friendships through their Sunday School class. Later, they attended Brookhaven Church in McKinney.
Throughout her life, Carolyn grew deep and meaningful friendships with neighbors, lifelong friends, fellow church members, and her cherished prayer group. She very much enjoyed socializing. After retiring in December 2021, she especially treasured becoming part of the Uptown Crossing community. She loved spending time with her neighbors through Bible studies, mahjong, bunco, luncheons, dinners, and countless gatherings that brought so much joy to her life.
Carolyn deeply loved not only her immediate family, but all her brother and sister in- laws, cousins, nieces and nephews and all their families. She held close relationships with many of them and made a point to call or text often and keep up with all their families. She cherished the getaways to the hill country over the years for family reunions to catch up with her beloved family. One of her finest memories was traveling to Germany with her family in 2018 to visit her dear cousin and his family who she and Carroll had connected with and been wholeheartedly welcomed to meet while traveling in Europe several years earlier.
Carolyn will be remembered for her love of all things beautiful, especially tulips, her genuine smile that lit a room, her joyful spirit, and her generous heart.
In Carolyn's honor, our family encourages you to hold close the people you love, cherish every moment together, and remember the eternal hope we have in Christ.
John 14:1–2
“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God, believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you I am going there to prepare a place for you?
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