Mary Carolyn McPhail

On October 29, 2025, Mary Carolyn McPhail of Wichita Falls was called to her Heavenly home at the age of 95. 

Carolyn was born on December 24, 1929, in Wichita Falls, Texas to Lucius Bertrand Horr and Mary Alice Horr (nee “Davis”).  Carolyn graduated from Burkburnett High School in 1947 and attended two years at Hardin Simmons Junior College now known as Midwestern State University.  Carolyn was in the Governors’ Band and played the saxophone.  After attending Hardin Simmons Junior College, Carolyn began working as a Vehicle Title Clerk at the Car License Department in Wichita Falls and worked there for 36 years before retiring in 1992.

One Sunday, while attending church, a Naval uniformed gentleman walked in, caught her eye and she made sure to meet him that day.  It was Fred, who became the love of her life.  Carolyn and Fred were married on September 1, 1961, and were blessed to share sixty-four loving years together.  In 1964, Carolyn and Fred adopted their daughter, LeAnn, who completed their family and filled their hearts.  Carolyn loved her husband and daughter deeply.  When Fred passed away, life became different for Carolyn, but she rallied and was able to find joy and happiness at her new home, Texhoma Christian Care Center in Wichita Falls, without him but at the same time while missing him dearly.  Carolyn met new friends, became active in daily activities (especially Bingo), would often sit outside with her friends for hours and read books by the fireplace.  Carolyn’s most important activity was reading her Bible daily.  Carolyn formed new routines upon Fred’s passing with one being nightly calls at 7:30 p.m. between Carolyn and LeAnn where they would just talk, listen and share about their day or things going on in life.  Little did they know at the time, those calls would become the highlight of both their days and a memory that will be cherished forever by LeAnn.  

Carolyn was a longtime member of First Baptist Church in Burkburnett, Texas, where she participated in Sunday School and other church activities.  Around 1980, Carolyn and her family moved from Burkburnett to Wichita Falls where they became members of First Baptist Church of Wichita Falls.  Carolyn served as a greeter and usher at First Baptist Church.  Carolyn was a faithful follower of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ and shared her faith in many ways while living at Texhoma Christian Care Center.    

In these past eight and half months, Carolyn was a delight to, and delighted in, the wonderful staff and residents at Texhoma Christian Care Center.  Carolyn’s family extends their special thanks to the staff and residents, and to all who visited Carolyn there, for making her final months and days safe and comfortable in the loving company of true friends.  

Carolyn was preceded in death by her loving husband, Fred Albert McPhail, her loving parents and her sister, Alma Lee Lennard Levinge.  

She is survived by her daughter LeAnn McPhail Wray, her son-in-law, Wilson “Bill” Wray, her treasured grandsons, Thomas Sullivan Wray and Jonathan Michael Wray, and her beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins, all of whom had a special place in her heart.  

Carolyn’s memory will endure in the hearts of family, friends, and acquaintances who were touched by her kindness toward all and her devotion to God, family, and friends. 

A service for Carolyn will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 8, 2025, at Owens and Brumley Funeral Home in Wichita Falls with Brother Randy Osborne officiating. Interment to follow at Crestview Memorial Park under the direction of Owens and Brumley Funeral Home in Wichita Falls. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the library at First Baptist Church in Wichita Falls or Hope International, Dallas, Texas, a non-profit international adoption and humanitarian aid agency, through which Carolyn’s daughter LeAnn and her husband Bill adopted their son, Thomas from Russia in 2003.  https://hopeadoption.org/make-a-donation/

Condolences may be sent to the family at owensandbrumley.com