Carolyn Kay Robinson

Born in Lufkin, Texas, on August 20, 1945, to Katie Welch Rhoudes and Everett Powell Rhoudes, Carolyn lived a life filled with faith, love, color, and a little sparkle.

Friends and family are invited to a visitation from 5:00 - 7:00 pm on Wednesday, October 7, 2026 at Gipson Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, October 8, 2026, at 2:00 pm at Gipson Funeral Home at 2:00 pm on October 8 2026, with burial to follow at Huntington Cemetery.

Carolyn was baptized in the Name of Jesus in the spring of 1969 by Rev. Marshall Ivy in Letney’s Pond at Ora. She had a firm foundation in her faith and was a faithful prayer warrior. She loved attending church, and one of her greatest joys was joining her sister and friends in holding church services at nursing homes. This ministry held a special place in her heart, giving her the opportunity to share her faith and bring comfort and fellowship to others.

Carolyn worked at Luther News and Atkinson Candy Kitchen before joining Lufkin Industries in 1980. She devoted 27 years to Lufkin Industries, retiring in 2007.

She loved traveling, taking vacations, crocheting, and scrapbooking. Carolyn never needed to choose just one favorite color—she loved all the bright ones, especially with a little sparkle added. The same was true of flowers: she loved them all. Her garden was a source of happiness, and she spent hours watering and caring for her gardenias, crepe myrtles, roses, and everything else in bloom.

Carolyn’s life was also a testament to remarkable strength. She survived a brain aneurysm in 1985 and, approximately 30 years later, survived a major heart attack. Doctors called her a “walking miracle”—but only after scolding her for stopping at McDonald’s for a breakfast burrito before going to the hospital. It was a story her family would remember with both gratitude and a smile.

Above all, Carolyn treasured her family. She leaves behind generations who will carry her memory in their hearts, along with her precious puppy, Leo.

Carolyn was preceded in death by her daughter, Lisa Michelle; her parents, E. P. and Katie Rhoudes; her sister, Henrietta White; and her great-grandson, Joshua “Crickett” Williams.

She is survived by her sons and their wives, Len and Lisa Havard, and Michael and Sandra Havard; her sister and brother-in-law, Everitte and Roy Havard; and her beloved puppy, Leo.

Her grandchildren and their spouses include JT and Brittiany Williams, Sam and Amber Williams, Adam and Amy Williams, Brittney and Shaun Miller, Josh and Felicia Havard, Meghan and Ryan Goddard, and Jessica and Chris Elliott. She also leaves behind 21 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.

Serving as pallbearers will be Ryan Goddard, Josh Havard, Sam Williams, JT Williams, Randy White, Brian Havard, and Casey Havard.

Honorary pallbearers will be Adam Williams, Larry Gee, Daniel Phipps, Chad Bittick, and Earl Wayne Rhodes, Eddie Bass.

Special honorary pallbearers will be Billy White, Alex and Gretchen Bealer, and Roy Havard.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the team at Harbor Hospice for their compassionate care and support throughout Carolyn’s journey.

Carolyn will be lovingly remembered for her steadfast faith, her strength, and the joy she found in life’s beautiful things. Her memory will live on in every bright flower, every touch of sparkle, and the hearts of those who loved her.