A memorial service celebrating Carolyn’s life will be held on Saturday, January 21, 2023 at 2:00 PM at Edgemere at 8523 Thackery Street, Dallas, TX 75225.
Carolyn was born on September 16, 1936, in Lubbock, Texas, as the first child of Willard B. Cox and Fannie Bell (Doc) Cox. She was preceded in death by her parents, her soulmate, childhood sweetheart and husband, Don McDermett, Sr., and her brother Will B. Cox, Jr.
Carolyn is survived by her two sons, Don J. McDermett, Jr. and J. Scott McDermett, both of Dallas, her two perfect grandchildren, J. Bonner McDermett and Megan Hilary McDermett Good and their spouses Sarah McDermett and Austin Good, her sister, Myrlan Coleman and her husband Jim Coleman, her sister-in-law, Fran Cox, and two nieces and two nephews.
Carolyn graduated from Morton High School in Morton, Texas, at age 16 and attended the University of Texas at Austin for two years. She was a member of the Alpha Phi sorority and worked in the Chief Clerk’s Office of the Texas House of Representatives, where her uncle, Reuben Senterfitt, Jr. was Speaker of the House.
Carolyn married her childhood sweetheart and the love of her life, Don McDermett, and finished college with him at Texas Tech University in Lubbock. She taught school for a short time at Morton High School and worked over many years with her husband in his various business interests, including John Deere farm equipment dealerships in Crosbyton, Texas and Seymour, Texas.
Carolyn was a devoted Christian and loved teaching Sunday School for both children and adults at the First United Methodist Church of Seymour. She loved gardening and had a “green thumb” second to none. She also loved playing tennis and, most of all, loved spending time with her husband, two boys and grandchildren. Simply put, she was the perfect wife, mother and grandmother – as well as a loving and devoted friend to many.
Carolyn served as member of the City Council in Seymour for 12 years and as Mayor Pro Tem for two terms. Her other activities included Cub Scout Denmother, Junior Forum, Seymour Golf and Country Club and others that are too numerous to mention.
When her husband was blinded in a chemical accident in 1977, Carolyn became Don’s devoted “seeing eye girl” (as he called her) for the rest of his long and rich life – made all the more so by her constant attention and affection. In 2008, Carolyn and Don moved to Edgemere in Dallas, to be nearer their sons and grandchildren, actively embracing their new adventure with much enthusiasm and making many new friends. Carolyn served in many volunteer roles at Edgemere and participated yearly in the Edgemere Art Show where she showed a number of paintings and drawings.
Carolyn will be remembered for her love of life, her warmth, humor and unfailing ability to make everyone feel special.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the charity of the donor’s choice.
Sparkman Funeral Home & Cremation Services in Richardson, Texas has charge of arrangements.
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