Carolyn Annette Whitman

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Carolyn Annette (Cowan) Whitman on May 1, 2026, at the age of 89, in Pearland Texas. Born on May 28, 1936, in Devil's Lake, North Dakota, Carolyn was a cherished daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, and friend.

Carolyn spent her younger years in North Dakota, moving to Rochester, Michigan in 1951. She graduated from Rochester Senior High School in 1953. Carolyn married Joseph Whitman on December 10, 1955, at St. John Lutheran Church. Carolyn and Joe raised their family in Rochester and upon retirement in 1994, they moved to Temple, Texas, spending 14 happy years there together. Carolyn remained in Temple until 2024 when she moved to Houston to be closer to her daughter Shellei.

Over the years the Lutheran Church was an important part of Carolyn's life- she was an active member of St. John Lutheran Church (Rochester, Michigan), Immanuel Lutheran Church (Temple, Texas), and Epiphany Lutheran Church (Pearland, Texas). In her retirement Carolyn enjoyed church activities, card clubs, luncheons, and travelling.

Preceded in death by her beloved husband Joe, her parents William and Elsie Cowan, and her son-in-law William Forrester, Carolyn's spirit and memory will continue through her surviving family members-children Kim Whitman, Rebecca (The Late Bill) Forrester, Kirk (Donna) Whitman, Rochelle (Edward) Lang, Kelly Whitman, and Randall (Lori) Whitman, grandchildren: Kelly J Whitman and Amelia Lang.

Carolyn's life was a testament to the joy of family and friendship. Her spirit will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew her.

Visitation will be held at Pixley Funeral Home, 322 W. University Dr., Rochester, Michigan 48307, on May 14, 2026, from 3:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

A Funeral Service will be held at Pixley Funeral Home, 322 West University Drive, Rochester, MI 48307, US, on May 15, 2026, at 10:30 am, with guest invited to arrive starting at 9:30 am. A luncheon at Pixley Funeral Home to follow.

A private burial for the immediate family will take place at White Chapel Memorial Park Cemetery, 621 W. Long Lake Road, Troy.

Memorial Contributions in Carolyn's honor are appreciated to the Leader Dogs for the Blind, www.leaderdog.org