Carolyn Kay Crockett West

Carolyn Kay Crockett West was born in Bowie, Texas on May 12, 1933, as her parents, George and Flo Phagan Crockett prepared to move to Wichita Falls. The move was completed and Carolyn lived her life in Wichita Falls, a city she dearly loved.
Carolyn loved life to its fullest, and she endeavored to share this love with her precious family and the valued variety of friends that warmed her life. It was this love which surrounded her as she slipped from the caring arms of her family, into the loving arms of Jesus, June 18, 2024. Friends are welcome to join her family Monday, June 24, 2024, at 1:00 pm in the original sanctuary at First Baptist Church in Wichita Falls to honor Carolyn and to visit at a reception following in Fellowship Hall. Carolyn's earthly life was lived as a wonderful journey which she loved, laughed, and made a sincere effort to help others as she prepared for her final journey. Her preparation for this final eternal blessing was fearless and filled with joy, because of her certainty of knowing Jesus Christ as her personal savior.
Carolyn's life was one with a true servant's heart. She loved performing acts of kindness and encouragement to those facing difficulties and carrying burdens. She believed firmly that it was important to put pen to paper to express your concerns since the modern technology of the Internet failed to meet her needs. She kept in touch with many lifelong friends by phone and letters. Carolyn was a lifetime member of First Baptist Church of Wichita Falls where she served on several boards, participated in many of the activities, and where she loved the Sunday School program and her class of special friends made in early years. She had been a children's Sunday School teacher and choir helper. In later years, she served on numerous committees and particularly enjoyed knowing better the many people with whom she worked. She was especially happy to be a part of the planning committee for the new and present sanctuary of First Baptist Church.
Carolyn attended Crockett Elementary, Zundy, and Wichita Falls Senior High School, followed by Christian College, now Columbia College, in Columbia Missouri, and received her associate of arts degree there. She then attended the University of Texas at Austin where she graduated summa cum laude with a BS degree in elementary education. She was a member of Kappa Alpha Theta, social sorority and served as president of that organization in which she formed many strong friendships.
In 1957, Carolyn and Lane West were married on February 1st and into their marriage were born Amy Kay West and Andrew Lane West. Their lives together as a family were full and happy despite Lane's physical disabilities which occurred midlife. He predeceased Carolyn in July 1996.
She was a sustaining member of the Junior League, having served on the board in several capacities. Carolyn was a member of local social clubs and served on the board of the Children's Center Opportunity Workshop, Beacon Lighthouse for the Blind and Straight Street. She enjoyed volunteer work and was active in the programs of numerous community service organizations. Later she took a great interest in the West Foundation.
In 2007, Carolyn once again found great happiness when she and Alfred Thom were married April 5th at First Baptist Church by their pastor, Dr. Robert Jeffress. They shared many good times and trips, and found great satisfaction in discussions of their high school days where they had been good friends. They shared their time together at each of their homes in Wichita Falls and in Dallas for the years they had together.
A particular enjoyment in Carolyn's life was traveling. She visited Europe several times for extended periods, and then traveled with her entire family on many trips in the US, Canada and Europe. She loved 'fun trips with a lot of learning'.
Carolyn is survived by and forever carried in the hearts of her daughter, Amy (David) Walls, of Dallas, and her son, Andrew (Jennifer) West of Scottsdale, Arizona. It was times with these precious children and grandchildren Trip (Caroline) Hillman, Christopher (Lauren) Hillman, Emily (Drew) Crawford, Austin West, and Ethan West, that rekindled the happy memories of life in her early years with her family. Lane T. Hillman gave 'Honey' the sweet honor of great grandmother.
If desired, a memorial gift to the mission program of First Baptist Church, a dear part of her life, or to a charity of choice would be appreciated.