Carla Jan Pyle Valadez entered heaven on March 13, 2018 following a courageous battle with cancer. Throughout her fight, she was always smiling demonstrating nothing short of grace and strength. Carla was loved by all who knew her and will be greatly missed by her family and friends. She is survived by husband, Jim Valadez; daughter, Ashley Valadez, and son, James Valadez.
She was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, on January 3, 1952 and adopted by Bernice and Carlton C. Pyle. Carla graduated from Robert E. Lee High School in Tyler, Texas in 1970. After graduation, Carla moved to Austin to attend the University of Texas at Austin. While at UT, she earned a BA in Psychology and a BS in Education. She would go on to earn a Master’s in Education Administration. On March 3, 1984, she married Jim and a year later had a daughter, Ashley and two years later had a son, James.
With an interest in helping others, she gravitated towards a career in education. She worked at Johnston High School teaching Biology, Highland Park Elementary where she was a school counselor, Hart Elementary as an Assistant Principal, and as the principal at Barrington Elementary. With her retirement from the Austin Independent School District, Carla went on to work at Texas Education Agency as the Director of Education Standards for the State of Texas.
In her spare time Carla enjoyed spending time with her family and friends. Her unconditional love, helpfulness, and generous spirit will be long remembered. She was truly a one-of-a-kind woman who touched so many lives and will be remembered in their hearts and minds.
A visitation will be held from 2:00 – 5:00 pm on Sunday, March 18th, at Cook-Walden Funeral Home, located at 6100 N Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78752. Services will be held at 2:00 on Monday, March 19th, at University United Methodist Church at 2409 Guadalupe St, Austin, TX 78705.
Special thanks to Dr. Scott Ream, ICU staff at St. David’s Medical Center, and Texas Oncology. Carla can be honored and remembered with flowers and/or donations to Austin Sunshine Camps.
To share condolences with the family, please visit www.cookwaldenfuneralhome.com.
