Carol Van Pelt Ballard

July 20, 1940 – July 3, 2026

With grateful hearts for a life well lived and deep sadness at her passing, we celebrate the life of Carol Joyce Ballard, who entered the presence of her Lord and Savior on July 3, 2026, at the age of 85, in Harlingen, Texas. Born on July 20, 1940, in Detroit, Michigan, Carol lived a life marked by her compassion, creativity, and an unwavering commitment to serving others. She spent more than 30 years as an elementary school teacher, faithfully investing in the lives of countless children. For Carol, teaching was more than a profession it was her calling. She believed every child had God-given potential and worked tirelessly to encourage, inspire, and nurture each young heart entrusted to her care. During her early years, Carol lived in Michigan before moving to Texas as a young teenager. It was there, at just 14 years old, that she met the love of her life, Paul Douglas Ballard. Their relationship began through a shared love of horses. Carol was an accomplished English equestrian jumper, while Paul preferred Western riding. What started as a youthful friendship blossomed into a beautiful marriage that would span over 60 years, filled with love, devotion, and cherished memories. Carol pursued her passion for learning by earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Art and Elementary Education from Sam Houston State University. Her artistic gifts were evident throughout her life as she found joy in painting, sewing, and creating beautiful things with her hands. Whether in the classroom, at an easel, or around her family, Carol's creativity reflected the beauty she saw in God's creation. Above all, Carol treasured her family. She was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Alberta Joyce Van Pelt and David Van Pelt. She leaves behind her devoted husband, Paul Douglas Ballard; her loving sons, Fred Eric Ballard and David Jason Ballard; her cherished daughters-in-law, Amanda Ballard and Analaura Ballard; and her treasured granddaughters, Mallorie Ballard, Emelia Ballard, and Isabella Ballard, who brought immeasurable joy to her life. Carol's legacy reaches far beyond the walls of a classroom. She will be remembered for her gentle spirit, her love for teaching, her artistic talents, her devotion to family, and the countless lives she influenced through kindness, encouragement, and grace. Her lessons were not only taught with words but lived out through a life of integrity, patience, and unconditional love. Though Carol will be deeply missed, her family finds comfort in knowing that she is now at peace in the presence of her Savior. Her love, wisdom, and example will continue to live on through her family, and generations of students she taught, and all who were blessed to know her.

Visitation Friday, July 17, 2026, 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Celebration of Life Service Saturday, July 18, 2026, 1:00 p.m. at Heavenly Grace Funeral Home 26873 White Ranch Road La Feria, Texas 78559