Carolyn Ann Panger

Carolyn Ann Panger, 71, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully while surrounded by family on June 12, 2025, in Amarillo, Texas. She will be remembered for unconditionally loving her family, maintaining precious lifelong friendships, and leaving a little Fourth of July sparkle in her wake.

Carolyn Ann Hopkins was born on March 11, 1954 to John and Mary Jane (Clark) Hopkins, and she grew up in Pampa, Texas. After high school graduation, Carolyn moved to Oklahoma City and then Amarillo, where she met Steve Panger. Six months after meeting, Steve and Carolyn were married on February 14, 1975. Despite a brief courtship, Steve and Carolyn loved and were devoted to each other, and they celebrated fifty years of marriage in February of this year.

Over the years, Carolyn worked as a dental hygienist, medical assistant, and volunteer EMT-D. As an EMT-D, Carolyn ran the ambulance service at Lake Tanglewood for 10 years and taught CPR and first aid at Amarillo College. She also spent time working with children at Opportunity School in Amarillo. However, her most cherished role was mother to Josh and Jarred and Grandma CC to her granddaughters, Lexi, Jaclyn, and Macy. Josh and Jarred were the pride of Carolyn’s life, and her joy only deepened when they gave her the opportunity to dote on three little girls. Carolyn’s granddaughters adored her and will often be reminded of precious memories with their CC.

Carolyn was known for her love of the Fourth of July and the annual celebrations she and Steve hosted for the holiday. Future parades and fireworks shows will no doubt feel a little less joyful without Carolyn.

Preceding Carolyn in death were her parents, and her sister and brother-in-law, Barbara and Gayle Stewart. Survivors include her husband, Steve; sons, Josh (Julie) of Lubbock, and Jarred (Courtney) of Albuquerque; and granddaughters, Lexi, Jaclyn, and Macy.

Funeral services will be held at Boxwell Brothers Funeral Home in Amarillo on June 17, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. The family will accept visitors at the funeral home from 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. on June 17, prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Amarillo’s Opportunity School, 1100 S. Harrison Street, Amarillo, Texas 79101. The family also hopes that you will happily celebrate the Fourth of July with friends and family and (safely) light a sparkler in Carolyn’s memory.