Carolyn Fulton Newhouse

Carolyn was born on February 3, 1950, in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, to the late Dr. Nolen W. Fulton Jr. and Elizabeth “Betty” McCollum Fulton of Louisville, Mississippi. She completed her undergraduate studies at Mississippi University for Women (“The W”) in Columbus, Mississippi. While living in Columbus, she met her future husband, James “Jim” Newhouse, at a party hosted by a mutual friend shortly after Jim returned from military service in Vietnam.

They married on July 15, 1972, and began their life together by opening a plant store—The Good Earth—building a home, and welcoming their first child, James “Jay” Newhouse, all in Columbus. Two years later, the Air Force moved their family to Dayton, Ohio, where their daughter, Suzanne Newhouse Mullen, was born. Soon after, the family relocated to Washington, D.C., before returning to Dayton in 1982.

Back in Dayton, Carolyn earned her teaching certificate and became a revered art teacher in the Beavercreek City Schools. She went on to earn a master’s degree in Art History from the University of Dayton and later achieved national board certification in art education. Over her 27-year career, she taught at both elementary and high school levels and served as the faculty advisor for several student groups, including the Muse Machine. Carolyn received numerous teaching awards throughout her career, including the Western Ohio Art Teacher of the Year award in 1997, reflecting her deep commitment to her students and to the arts. She retired in 2013.

In addition to her teaching career, Carolyn was active in her community. She volunteered at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Oakwood, was a member of Delta Kappa Gamma (an organization for women educators), and supported the Dayton Humane Society. She also nurtured a love of the arts in others through her involvement in the Dayton Calligraphy Guild and her work in art therapy.

In 2016, Carolyn and Jim moved to Austin, Texas, and settled in Lakeway where she continued her active community involvement. She participated in the Lakeway Garden Club, the Lakeway Women’s Book Club, and the Lakeway Painting Group, where she frequently exhibited her artwork. She was also active in the Austin Calligraphy Guild, pursuing her lifelong passion for calligraphy.

Carolyn was a treasured and devoted friend. She had a special gift for making others feel seen, heard, valued, and loved. Whether it was through a handwritten note, a thoughtful gesture, or simply taking the time to listen, Carolyn formed deep, lasting friendships wherever she lived and ventured. Her warmth, generosity, sincerity, and quiet wisdom touched the lives of many and will be remembered always.

She had a passion for music, especially the timeless sounds of the Rolling Stones and Pink Floyd. Carolyn had a true green thumb—her home was always surrounded by flourishing plants and flowers. An exceptional cook, she delighted in trying new recipes and entertaining with meals for friends and family. And while she had a gentle, nurturing spirit, she also had a mischievous side—best captured in her unapologetic admiration for her favorite bad boy soccer player, Zlatan Ibrahimović, and her sarcastic banter with her son-in-law.

Above all, Carolyn’s greatest joy was her family—especially her three granddaughters. She loved spending one-on-one time with them, attending their sporting events, and inviting them over to create in her art studio or cook together in the kitchen. Rarely did a week go by without Carolyn (affectionately known as “Gigi”) and her granddaughters and their friends spending time together.

Carolyn is survived by her loving husband, Jim; her children, Jay and Suzanne (Brendan Mullen); her cherished granddaughters, Lillian "Lilly", Frances "Frankie", and Lucy Mullen; as well as many extended family members. She also leaves behind her beloved dog, Dixie, and cat, Maggie.

A celebration of Carolyn’s life will be held on June 7, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home, 411 Ranch Rd 620 South, Lakeway, Texas.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Carolyn’s memory to the Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance or the Austin Humane Society.