Carolyn Mae Gillen

Carolyn Mae (Myers) Gillen passed away on Thursday, January 21, 2021, at her home in Grand Prairie, Texas. Carolyn was 90 years old.

Carolyn was born on December 21, 1930 in Sunset, Texas to Oliver Wesley Myers, Jr. and Alma Eugenia (Saylor) Myers. She was a graduate of Granbury High School and attended North Texas State College. On May 28, 1950, Carolyn married Thomas (Tommy) V. Gillen and they moved to Grand Prairie. Last May, Carolyn and Tommy celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary. They have been true sweethearts – happy being together every day.

Carolyn had three daughters and worked as a stay-at-home mom. Her keen interest in cooking continued throughout her life and she was known for some outstanding dishes. She enjoyed attending cooking classes with caterer and friend, Billie K. Hendrix, where they learned from the experts about French cooking, marinades, English teas, and a host of other yummy ideas. Her family was always happy to try any new experiment from Carolyn’s kitchen.

Her interest in raising flowers for table design led Carolyn to become a member of the Inglewood Garden Club. In addition to decorating for various church and community events, she competed in flower shows and taught classes in floral design. She completed five years of coursework to become a nationally accredited flower show judge and studied landscape design at the Texas A&M Extension Service Center in Dallas. She was happiest while working in her yard that is a showplace of color year round.

While her three daughters were attending school, Carolyn was an active member of P.T.A. She continued volunteering for school functions for her grandchildren’s schools. She also helped with many special events as

a member of the Grand Prairie Women’s Club and was a current member of the Rejebian Book Club. Carolyn was also a member of Literature Unlimited, a small book club comprised of long-time, Grand Prairie residents who enjoyed reading and traveling together. And she was a member of the Grand Prairie Quilting and Sewing Ladies group.

Carolyn has been an active member of Turnpike/CrossPoint Church of Christ since first moving to Grand Prairie. She worked as a Bible class teacher for many years. She was instrumental in starting a service to assist church members and their families with wedding, birthday, and anniversary parties. Any and all church events could easily happen on site with what Carolyn worked to provide. She said, “It was my dream that any girl or boy could have a nice wedding. It was my dream that this church could and would serve any family in any way we knew how. It was my dream that every couple would stay married and stay close to God.”

Carolyn was preceded in death by her parents; brother and sister-in-law Thomas W. and Nancy (Nance) Myers; sister Ann (Myers) Latham; sister-in-law Connie (Andrews) Myers; son-in-law Izak D. Gregory; and, nephew James Jeffrey Latham.

She is survived by her brother Colonel Gene Oliver Myers; her husband, Tommy Gillen; daughters, Paula Susanne Overall, Marsha Beth Jones, and Gay Ann Gregory; grandson Ryan Stanley Overall; granddaughters Regina Carol Gregory and Abigale Donley (Gregory) Henry and husband Michael; great-granddaughter Lydia Donley Henry; great- grandson August John Henry; and, numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Carolyn will be buried at the Granbury Cemetery with family attending. A memorial will be held at a later date.