Carolyn Stereff

Carolyn Sue Stereff, 69, passed away surrounded by loved ones on November 4, 2015. Carolyn was born on October 13, 1946 in Diamond, Missouri to Dorothy Mae and Martin Junior Anderson. She graduated with a B.A. in Psychology and Sociology from Southwest Baptist University in Bolivar, MO in 1968. After graduating, Carolyn served as a Baptist missionary for two years in Danang, Vietnam. Post return, she served in the Navy reserve from 1973 to 1975.

Carolyn met her future husband and lifelong love, Paul Stereff, in Joplin, MO. They were married on October 15, 1970, and recently celebrated their 45th wedding anniversary. They made Pasadena, TX their home in 1978. When her children Anthony and Susan were young, Carolyn was an aide at Fisher Elementary in Pasadena ISD. As Anthony and Susan became more involved with school and other activities, Carolyn went to work for Pasadena Interfaith Manor, where she stayed for 24 years until her retirement in 2008. Several years after retirement, Carolyn began working as a crossing guard at Sparks Elementary for Pasadena ISD.

Tireless in her efforts to make the world a better place, Carolyn was a servant to her community in many, many ways. She shared her joy of teaching at Asbury Methodist Church Sunday school. During her time at Asbury Methodist, Carolyn also exercised her love of the environment, as an arborist. Hope Community United Methodist Church was lucky to receive Carolyn as an active member of the church family several years ago. Pasadena Animal Shelter was fortunate to have Carolyn volunteer, where she shared her love and kindness with animals. Carolyn also gave time to the HOSTS Reading Program at Sparks Elementary. Known for her ease in conversation and contagious smile, she was also an active member of the Pasadena Chamber of Commerce Welcoming Committee for New Businesses. Enthusiastic in her benevolence, she also supported many local ministries.

Carolyn's lifelong dream and the charitable achievement for which she was most proud, was to build a dam in Africa. She accomplished this through donating time and resources to Church World Services in 2010. Carolyn was able to donate many animals to the villages in Kenya as well. When not practicing acts of kindness for others, Carolyn enjoyed traveling, reading, gardening, and shopping.

Carolyn was filled with love and pride for her family. A woman of faith and the heart of the Stereff family, Carolyn was preceded in death by her father, Martin Junior Anderson, and her brother, Martin Gary Anderson. She is survived by her devoted husband Paul Stereff; her mother Dorothy Anderson; son Anthony Stereff (Kathy), daughter Susan Stereff Troullier (Leonard); grandchildren Bradley, Benjamin, Breena, and Alvin Jr.; sister-in-law Thelma Anderson; niece Sarah Anderson Hill (David); great-nephews Carter and Gavin; aunts, cousins, and life-long friends.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 14, 2015 at Hope Community United Methodist Church, 2838 Lily Street, Pasadena, TX 77503 (281-487-0610) at 10am. In lieu of flowers or other remembrances, donations may be made to: Pasadena Community Ministries, 2301 S. Houston Rd., Pasadena, TX 77502 (713-477-4336).