Carolyn Joy Dauphin-Pyle

She was born on October 30, 1927 in Cross Plains, Texas to William Manasseh (Bill) Kearley and Thelma Mae Sledge Kearley. They moved to Gladewater, Texas where she grew up.

Carolyn graduated from Gladewater High School, Class of 1944 and continued her education at Kilgore College and was a member of the 3rd line of the Kilgore College Rangerettes.

Being adventurous, she moved to Dallas and worked at Neiman-Marcus for a year and then returned to Gladewater.On August 25, 1946, Carolyn married Estel Aubushon (Shon) Dauphin in the Quitman Center Church of Christ.

They had two children, Forrest Keith and Shonda Carol. Her ambition was to become a teacher so she returned to Kilgore College and transferred to Stephen F. Austin State College earning her bachelor's and master’s degrees in the field of education. Her first teaching position was at Mozelle Johnston Elementary, 5th grade with Judson ISD which consolidated with Longview ISD. She retired after teaching 40 yrs at Mozelle Johnston Elementary only to continue as a substitute teacher at Bramlette Elementary. She adored every one of her students.

Carolyn reunited with Loyd Pyle, a Gladewater High School sweetie, at an alumni dinner in the fall of 2001 and they married on January 6, 2002.

She was a member of several of the Churches of Christ during her lifetime- Quitman Center, Mobberly Avenue, Alpine, Union Grove and Pine Tree.

After a 7 month fierce battle with cancer and treatment regimen that began in November 2025, she passed away at home on Hospice care at the age of 98 yrs old.

Carolyn was preceded in death by her parents; husband, E. A. (Shon) Dauphin; brother,William Manasseh (Bill) Kearley Jr.; sister-in-law, Joy Steele Kearley; granddaughter,Chelsey Shon Majors; and husband, Loyd Pyle.

She is survived by her son, Forrest Dauphin; her daughter, Shonda Majors and Danny;grandchildren, Heather Mays and Justin, and Morgan Davis and Cody; great-grandchildren, Grayson Mays and Tatum, Gavin Mays, Marlee Davis, Stark Davis, Shon Majors and Ian Majors. She also leaves behind nephew, Dr. Richard Kearley and Edie;niece, Shari Courtney; and their families, Robert Kearley, Daniel Kearley and Lauren, and Michael Kearley, Kelly Courtney and Ellen, Casey Courtney and Jessica, Lacy Horman and Ryan. There are also dear friends who will miss her deeply.