Carol Jayne Foster Pipkin

Carol Jayne Foster Pipkin was born on October 26, 1936, in Pampa, Texas to parents Theda Ruth Cox Foster and Donald D Foster. She grew up with her two younger sisters, Doneda Foster Bannister and Patti Foster Cross. She loved her sisters and childhood friends, going to school and participated in many extracurricular activities. At 10 years old, Carol accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior at First Presbyterian Church in Pampa, Texas, and thus began her lifelong relationship with the Lord. In High School, she was voted Most Beautiful, Miss Americanism and Oil Progress Queen. She graduated from Pampa High School in 1955. Carol attended Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas where she was a member of Delta Delta Delta sorority, making many lifelong friends with her Tri Delt sisters. Her nickname at Tech was “Frosty”, and she was crowned Snow Queen on a Texas Tech ski trip. Carol met her future husband, Neal Pipkin, her Freshman year, but they didn’t start dating until her Senior year when they became reacquainted at a dance when they were on a double date but with other dates. Neal asked Carol to dance and that began their 63-year relationship and their dancing through life side-by-side. Carol graduated Texas Tech in 1959 with a Bachelor of Science in Home Economics with a major in Applied Arts. After graduating, Carol became a flight attendant with American Airlines. She married Air Force 2^nd Lieutenant Neal Pipkin on October 16, 1960, in Pampa, Texas. They were first based in Sherman, Texas and then Portland, Oregon where they welcomed daughter Lisa. In 1963, they were transferred to RAF Wethersfield where they lived for three years in Great Easton, near Dunmow, Essex, England. Carol loved traveling and sight-seeing in Europe. While in England, they welcomed son Scott. After Neal retired as Air Force Captain, Carol and Neal settled in Lubbock, Texas to be closer to both their families. While in Lubbock, Carol was an active member of St. Luke’s United Methodist Church. Carol enjoyed her children’s activities and was a PTA Mother, Girl Scout Leader, Chaperon at dances, and she attended every event and activity for her children. She was a preschool teacher at Westminster Presbyterian Preschool where her love of teaching began. Carol furthered her education at Texas Tech University, earning her Elementary Education Certification. She was a member of the Lubbock Junior League, Amity Study Club and an Art Docent at the Museum of Texas Tech University. Carol was an avid bridge player and played a competitive game of tennis doubles with her husband, children and friends. She made many lifelong friends in Lubbock. In 1987, Carol and Neal relocated to Mesa, Arizona for Neal’s job. They continued growing in their Christian faith and joined Central Christian Church, participating in bible studies and small groups where she made even more lifelong friends. Carol became a member of P.E.O. International Sisterhood. She continued teaching kindergarten and retired in 1998. After Neal’s retirement, in 2006, Carol and Neal moved back to Texas and made their home in Pecan Plantation near Granbury, Texas. They joined Acton United Methodist Church and a wonderful Sunday School class, The Visionaries. Carol was also a member of United Methodist Women. She enjoyed playing cards with friends, attending various women’s events and P.E.O. Chapter G V activities. Carol loved spending time traveling with family and friends. One of her favorite places to visit was their family cabin in Ruidoso, New Mexico. Carol loved being back in Texas so she could attend her two grandsons’ activities in Austin as often as possible. Carol and Neal celebrated their 60^th wedding anniversary on October 16, 2020. Carol went to be with her Lord and Savior on August 28, 2022.

Carol was proceeded in death by her parents, Theda Ruth Cox Foster and Donald D Foster. She is survived by Mitchell Neal Pipkin, her loving and dedicated husband of 61 years; son Scott Pipkin of Tempe, Arizona; daughter Lisa Pipkin Walton and son-in-law Tom Walton of Austin, Texas; grandson Mitchell Walton, M.D. of Austin, Texas; grandson Parker Walton and his wife Hanna Song Walton of Rockville, Maryland; sister Doneda Foster Bannister of Van Buren, Arkansas; sister Patti Foster Cross of Pampa, Texas; sister-in-law Patti Pipkin Alexander of Midland, Texas; brother-in-law Gerald Pipkin and his wife Penny Pipkin of Lubbock, Texas; 10 nieces and 1 nephew; many other relatives and wonderful friends.

Visitation will be held Friday, September 9, 2022, 4:30 pm – 6:30 pm CT at Wiley Funeral Home, Granbury, Texas. A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held Saturday, September 10, 2022, 11 am CT at Acton United Methodist Church, Granbury, Texas. A lunch reception will follow at the church, and all friends and family are welcome to attend.

Flowers may be arranged through Wiley Flowers & Gifts, Glen Rose, Texas. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Carol Pipkin to The Salvation Army of Hood County, Texas at https://southernusa.salvationarmy.org/hood-county/location/

(Reference recipient’s email: neal.pipkin@aol.com)