Carolyn Maxine Pylant, age 82, of New Braunfels, Texas, passed away on January 28, 2026. She was born on December 4, 1943, in San Antonio, Texas. She was adopted at 3 weeks old by Max and Pauline Ficker of Hext, Texas.
She is survived by her husband of 55 years, William “Bill” Pylant; her daughter, Kristi Denkeler and her husband, Brandon; and grandchildren, Lindsay and Jake. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Carol Pylant, and her family: Lisa and Fred Smith (Jennifer, Stephen, Christopher); Stefanie and Jerry Hamilton (Cody and wife Jessica, Katie, Jeremy); Steve and Lori Pylant (Emma, Abby, Trey); and brother-in-law, Donnie Pylant (Molly, Julia, and families). She also had numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins, and many close friends that were like family, including Jason and Jahnnette, Jonathan (Samantha), and Jaron (Michaela, Lawson) Brandt.
She was preceded in death by her parents, and her son, William Jeffrey Pylant.
Carolyn graduated from Mason High School and Abilene Christian College, where she majored in secondary education/English. Upon graduation, she moved to San Antonio, where she taught English at Portwood Junior High; some of those junior high students and colleagues have stayed in contact all these years. She later taught at Sam Houston High School and finished her career at Judson High School.
Carolyn had a passion for teaching and mentoring. She always encouraged her students to rise above “prairie chicken” status and to soar as eagles. Her students loved her for her caring heart and sense of humor/wittiness. In 1989, she was honored as Teacher of the Year for Judson High School Red Campus. Her career spanned 30 years, and during that time she wrote curriculum, taught seventh-grade, sophomore, junior, and senior English; she taught writing in the Write Corner at Judson and sponsored Future Teachers of America.
Carolyn’s teaching career was very important, but not as important as her dedication to God, her family, and her church. She grew up at the Hext Church of Christ, and upon her move to San Antonio, she was an active member at Houston Terrace Church of Christ, Randolph Church of Christ, and MacArthur Park Church of Christ before retiring in New Braunfels and calling New Braunfels Church of Christ home. At each of her church homes, she was fully committed to serving through teaching, counseling at Camp Bandina, mentoring young women, grief ministry, and card-sending. She was even prepared to teach a Bible class this past week.
The family would like to thank the staff at The Village of Garden Ridge, Devoted Hospice, and the women from New Braunfels Church of Christ, as well as other family and friends who gave their time and love to help care for Carolyn during the past few months.
II Timothy 4:6-8 — “The time has come for me to leave this life. I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race. I have kept the faith. Now, a crown is waiting for me.” Though we are experiencing both sadness and joy in each breath, we are thankful for the promise of heaven.
A Visitation will be held at Porter Loring Mortuary North, 2102 N. Loop 1604 E., on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
A Funeral Service will be held at Porter Loring Mortuary North on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. (The family would like to invite all in attendance to wear purple if they are able). To view the service, https://client.tribucast.com/tcid/c26023723559098
Interment will immediately follow in Holy Cross Cemetery, 17501 Nacogdoches Rd., at 11:30 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to New Braunfels Church of Christ Grief Ministry or Women’s Ministry, or at https://givebutter.com/pQYMCL, which is the Easter Seals Rehabilitation Center (important to use this website).
