C arolyn Rowland, 87, of Hart, Texas passed away on Saturday, the 18th of June 2022 in Dimmitt, Texas. Celebration of Life Service will be held on Wednesday, June 22, 2022 at the First United Methodist Church at 2:30PM in Hart with Rev. Donna Lindley officiating. Burial will follow in Hart Cemetery under the direct care of Colonial Funeral Home of Dimmitt, Texas. The Rowland family will receive friends on Tuesday, June 21, 2022 from 5:30PM to 7:00PM at the funeral home.
Carolyn was born on December 1, 1934 in her home in Hale County between Hart and Olton to Carroll and Alice B. Jones. She graduated valedictorian of her class from Olton High School in 1951.. She received her teaching degree from West Texas State College in 1954. Her first teaching job was in Plains, Texas where she met Newlon, a Plains resident, saying "He swept me off my feet." The two met while playing an outsider volleyball game. They recalled getting all tangled up in the net and came face to face with each other. She was at Plains for three years; the couple married on January 21, 1956. In 1958, they moved to Levelland where she taught Junior High and High School English. The Rowlands lived in Levelland until they moved to Hart.
Carolyn was in and out of teaching while raising her 4 children. She returned to teaching full time in 1977. She retired in 1999 with 32 years of teaching overall. She loved teaching and was awarded "Teacher of the Year" several times. Carolyn had a gift for knowing her student's needs and reach their potential in a loving, caring way. Carolyn and Newlon enjoyed playing golf at Olton Country Club with friends and family. She also loved playing bridge. One of Carolyn and Newlon's greatest joys was attending their grandchildren's events of any and all kinds.
Carolyn loved the Lord and served Him well. She enjoyed teaching Sunday School, all age groups, and Vacation Bible School. She and Newlon were longtime members of the First United Methodist Church of Hart.
Carolyn is survived by one son, Ricky Rowland and wife Zenita of Nazareth, Texas, 3 daughters, Rhonda Aven and husband Lester of Hart, Texas, Suzahn Eicke and husband Jason of Happy, Texas and Cristi Conger and husband Jim of Midland, Texas, 11 grandchildren, Jason Aven, Jared Aven, Jordy Rowland, Nicky Roland, Lexie Rowland, Kailee Law, Kinzee Detton, Maesa Eicke, Utah Eicke, Sydney Tolifson, and Regan Tolifson and 15 great grandchildren.
Carolyn is preceded in death by her husband Newlon Rowland, parents, I sister, Elaine Hicks and brother-in-law, Johnny Hicks.
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