Carolyn Sumrow
April 3, 1936 - February 9, 2026

Carolyn Pate Sumrow passed away peacefully on February 9, 2026, at the age of 89. Funeral services will be 10:00 A.M., Friday, February 13, 2026 at Coker-Mathews Funeral Home Chapel with Mr. Robert Russell and Mr. Ronny Steen officiating. Visitation will be 9:00 A.M. until service time. Interment will be in Memoryland Memorial Park.

She was born on April 3, 1936, in Breckenridge, Texas, to Letice Walker Pate and Mamie Parkhurst Pate.

Carolyn is survived by her brother-in-law, Dick Atkins; her sons, Jim, Frank (and wife Patricia), and Steve (and wife Heather); and her daughters, Susan and Sandra (and husband Stephen). She is also survived by many cherished grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, J.C.; her sister, Margaret; and her son-in-law, Kyle.

Carolyn graduated from Breckenridge High School, where she proudly served as a cheerleader for the State Champion Breckenridge Buckaroos. She loved sharing stories from those glory days and treasured the excitement of being part of such a special time. A gifted athlete, she excelled in volleyball and softball, and she was also a State UIL Literary Champion in shorthand â€" a skill that served her well throughout her life.

She earned her Bachelor's Degree in English and Literature from East Texas State University and began her teaching career at Celeste ISD. Carolyn devoted more than 20 years to teaching English, Accounting, and Typing, and she also served as Senior Class Sponsor, a role she truly loved. Her compassion for ''her kids'' ran deep, and she often said she would have taught for free. She proudly spent her entire teaching career as a Celeste Blue Devil.

Carolyn's greatest joy was her family, especially her grandchildren: Brandi and Trevor; Megan and Macy; Trey and Haley; Raegan; Trent, Tori, Ty and T.J. She was also blessed with the love of her great-grandchildren: Liam, Levi, Luke, Jaston, Beckham, Brady, Camilla, and Cora.

You could often find Carolyn at sporting events, enthusiastically cheering on her children and grandchildren. She also loved being outdoors and spent many happy hours working in her yard.

An exceptional cook, Carolyn treasured gathering her family together for meals after church and special occasions. Christmas was her favorite holiday, as she delighted in the season, the spirit, and the togetherness it brought to her beloved family.

In her later years, Carolyn often reflected that she had lived a wonderful life filled with love and laughter. She made sure her family always knew how deeply she loved them, saying, ''All my kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids know that I loved them with all my heart.''

Print Obituary