Carolyn D Moore

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Carolyn Sue Dunn Moore on July 5, 2025, at age 82, in Austin, Texas, after a brief illness. She was surrounded by an abundance of love, just as she shared it abundantly throughout her life.

Carolyn was born on December 3, 1942, in Clovis, New Mexico, to Truman and Paula Novella Shepard Dunn. Growing up, she enjoyed an active childhood where she spent summers at her grandparents' farm. She cherished her time at the farm and spoke of it often throughout her life. Her brother, Kerry Dunn, joined the family when she was about 10 years old, and the family relocated to El Paso, Texas, where Carolyn lived until 1967.

Carolyn graduated from El Paso High School in 1960 and went on to attend the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP), where she was a proud member of the Golddiggers, the university’s drill team. As a teenager, Carolyn began a lifelong passion for playing tennis, which she enjoyed playing competitively into her seventies. She had a beautiful singing voice and performed with her dear friends in various restaurants and bars in El Paso and New Mexico. She kept her friends from El Paso for life.

It was during her time at UTEP that she met and fell in love with her future husband, George William “Bill” Moore Jr., in a philosophy class. They were smitten from the start, forming a bond that endured for 45 years until Bill’s passing in 2007. During their time together, Bill and Carolyn had 3 loving children, built businesses in the insurance industry together, played a huge amount of tennis, traveled the world, and enjoyed their lives with gusto. They settled in Austin, Texas, in 1972, and both were avid Texas Longhorn fans in every way, shape, and form. Carolyn’s steadfast support and unparalleled loyalty were the glue that held the family together. Her absence leaves a profound void in the lives of so many she’s touched during her remarkable journey.

Carolyn lived a life rich with passions and interests. She was a voracious reader from a young age. Her collection of books was so extensive that her husband had custom bookshelves made as a gift for her. Bookshelves are still a focal point in the living room – a constant reminder of their love for one another and the importance of reading in her life. She ultimately warmed up to using a Kindle and fell in love again with a whole world of stories at her fingertips.

Carolyn found joy in the simple things in life. She loved being outside, preferably in the warm sun, and she was an expert at finding the seat heaters in any car! Carolyn enjoyed mob movies and thrillers, though her all-time favorite was Lonesome Dove, both in book and TV form. After she retired at the age of 80, she never missed Jeopardy or David Muir on the evening news. Sundays in the Moore house meant steak and baked potatoes for dinner. She loved church at Covenant Presbyterian and the family and friends she made over more than 50 years as a member. She loved a good nap. She treasured her neighbors, and she cherished her home in Northwest Hills. She swore she would not live anywhere else, and she was right. She loved taking evening walks, and nothing made her happier than enjoying one after Mexican food and a Frosty from Wendy’s – especially if it was shared with her kids or grandkids. Her family was the light of her life. She loved her kids with all of her heart, but she came alive with her three grandchildren. She spoke volumes without saying a word.

Carolyn’s generosity extended to everyone. Her home had an open-door policy for a visit, a meal, or a place to stay for as long as needed. Carolyn was an incredible listener, patient, attentive, and never interrupting. Over a lifetime, both new friends and old left stronger and brighter after experiencing her kindness and acceptance. She also had a soft spot for stray dogs. No dog too small or large, all makes and models welcome. Her last sweet buddy, Scruffy, misses her so very much. It was a friendship between two tiny, mighty forces, but any dog loved by her was happy beyond measure.

To hear Carolyn laugh was very special. To see her laugh was a genuine gift. Her sense of humor and incredible wit kept her sane and brought joy to those around her. Her laugh – so genuine that it often brought tears to her eyes – was contagious and unforgettable. Photographs capture Carolyn’s physical beauty, but her soul was equally beautiful on the inside.

Carolyn, Mom, Madre, Mamasita, Grandma, Tortoise, Gracie, Crazy Carol, Fearless Fly, Fuzzy Photo, Tut Tut Husaga – we miss you so very much. Carolyn made such a positive impact on this world, and life is less bright without her here. She taught by example, and we are stronger and more resilient because of her. Carolyn will be loved forever and never forgotten.

Carolyn was preceded in death by her husband, Bill Moore; her parents, Truman and Paula Dunn; her brother, Kerry Dunn; her brother-in-law, Jim Moore; her sister-in-law, Kathy Cornell; and her nephew, Ricky Reed.

Carolyn is survived by her daughter Vicki Moore, her husband Kent Dinkel, and grandsons Grant and Jackson Dinkel; daughter Cindy Sullivan, her husband Andrew Sullivan, and granddaughter Abby Sullivan; and her son Billy Moore. She also leaves behind an extended family and beloved friends, including her sister-in-law, Nancy Brandon; nieces, Linda Samac and Debbie Ryan; nephew, Scott Frederick; nephew, KJ Dunn; and dear friends, John Clay and Nancie Roddy.

A graveside memorial service to celebrate Carolyn’s life will be held on Saturday, September 20th at 1:00 pm at Austin Memorial Park Cemetery, 2800 Hancock Dr, Austin, TX 78731. A Celebration of Life will immediately follow the service at Carolyn's home. Please contact the family for additional information.