Carolyn was born May 5, 1952 in Garland, Texas to loving parents Rev. Virgil and Pearle Sparks. She married Ted Gutierrez on November 24, 1978, and was so happy to be his partner in life for almost 43 years.
She worked in the beauty industry for 20+ years, serving as an entrepreneur and co-owner of Texas Beauty Distributors. Leading the operation & finance part of the business, she oversaw the company with over 75 employees across the state, pioneering the growth of the beauty salon market in Texas throughout the 1980-90’s.
Carolyn’s professional career moved on to American International Group (AIG) where she spent 20 years of dedicated service leading over 200 employees and rose to the level of Vice President. During her time with AIG, she led teams for the client transaction services, implementation services, and institutional services. Her last role at AIG was to work with Amarillo and Houston teams to develop and implement an independent quality review team and processes. Carolyn was a true believer that hard work and honest feedback was the incredible power of great teams. She has led, influenced and mentored hundreds of people in her incredible professional journey of leadership and management over two decades until she retired in November 2019.
Carolyn was preceded in death by her parents Virgil and Pearle Sparks, and sister Marissa Fortenberry, and leaves to cherish her memory: husband Ted; two daughters; Belinda Gonzales (Roland), Michelle Bynum (Jeff), two sons; Ted Gutierrez (Cherise), Tom Gutierrez, one brother; Timothy Sparks (Sue); seven grandchildren; Blake Bynum (Kristin), Austin Bynum, Madison Bynum, Julian Gonzales (Abby), Lauren Gonzales, Teddy and Isabella Gutierrez; and one great-granddaughter; Faith Bynum. Carolyn was blessed with many nephews and nieces as well as a host of other relatives and friends… her legacy of a strong family unit will continue in our hearts.
Carolyn was an extremely talented seamstress who brought joy with every quilted baby blanket, swaddle and bib she made under a brand she created named “Sleepy Elephant”. She was an avid collector of salt & pepper shakers and with over 150 sets; she could tell you where they came from or who gave each set to her. She also sang in the choir at Houston’s First Baptist Church for many years. She had two loves in life; her family and cooking. One of her fondest memories and her legacy she leaves behind is creating memorable experiences at the dinner table. She always cooked meals that brought the family together. She taught her children and passed it on to her grandchildren the importance of family meals and time together.
She will be deeply missed by her family, friends and all who knew her.
Until we see you again… we love you…Dear – Mom – Gram
Friends are invited to visitation with the family from 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM on Wednesday, November 17, 2021 at Earthman Funeral Directors, 8303 Katy Fwy, Houston, TX 77024. A service of remembrance will follow at 6:30 PM. Funeral service will be at 1:30 PM on Thursday, November 18, 2021 at Houston's First Baptist Church, 7401 Katy Freeway, Houston, TX 77024. A graveside service following funeral services will be held at Memorial Oaks Cemetery, 13001 Katy Fwy, Houston, TX 77079.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.earthmanhunterscreek.com for the Gutierrez family.
