Carolyn P. Lane, 84, of Irving, Texas, passed away peacefully on Monday, January 6, 2025 leaving behind a legacy of kindness, joy and friendship. She was born on August 3, 1940, in Kingsport, TN, to Robert O. and Eva H. Phipps. Carolyn graduated from Dobyns-Bennett High School in Kingsport in 1958, where she was a member of the band for three years before becoming a cheerleader her senior year. After high school, Carolyn attended Guilford College in Greensboro, NC, for her freshman year, then transferred to East Tennessee State College, where she earned a degree in kinesiology and physical education in 1962. While at ETSU, she pledged Kappa Delta in 1961.

Carolyn began her career as a PE teacher and cheerleader coach at a private high school near Atlanta during the 1962-63 school year. She moved to Irving, TX, in 1963 after marrying and became one of the first staff members at MacArthur High School, teaching PE and coaching cheerleaders from the school's opening in 1963 until 1967. In 1967, Carolyn returned to Kingsport, TN, where she raised her two children, daughter Karen and son Warren. After her divorce, she moved back to Irving, TX, in 1975, determined to resume teaching. Despite arriving just days before the school year began, she was hired as a PE aide at Barton Elementary and within months was offered a full-time teaching job at Paul Keyes Elementary, where she taught PE from 1975 until her retirement in May 2002. She was especially known for her ability to teach square dancing, which became a beloved part of her curriculum.

A lifelong Episcopalian, Carolyn was a member of St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Kingsport during her youth and St. Mark's Episcopal Church in Irving from 1975 until her passing. At St. Mark's, she served on the Altar Guild and became known for her talent and love of creating flower arrangements for the altar. Carolyn was also a proud member of the Kappa Delta Mid-Cities Alumnae Association, where she actively supported young women entering college. One of her greatest joys was when her granddaughter, Sarah, pledged Kappa Delta at the University of North Florida in 2019. Carolyn was absolutely thrilled when Sarah texted her after the first night of sorority parties, confessing her love for Kappa Delta. Carolyn was able to travel to Florida to personally pin Sarah at her KD initiation, creating a special bond as both "sisters" and grandmother/granddaughter.

Beyond her work as a teacher, Carolyn was a devoted mother and grandmother. She was always present at her children's events—PTA programs, soccer games, football games, basketball games, dance recitals, talent shows, and induction ceremonies. She never missed one of Karens's drill team performances. Her children never doubted her unwavering support. Once she became a grandmother to Sarah, Carolyn's heart overflowed with pride. "Grandmommy," as she was known by many, never missed any of Sarah's events, including dance recitals, soccer games, taekwondo belt ceremonies, PTA programs, and mini-camps with the Rosettes. She was a fixture at Sarah's dance/drill team events during high school, attending every half-time performance and the spring show. She was there for Sarah's graduation from college in August 2023 in Florida and later attended Sarah's Rosette 25th anniversary performance in September 2024. Carolyn often shared the highlights of Sarah's accomplishments, beaming with pride at every opportunity.

Carolyn's former students fondly remembered "Ms. Lane" for her warmth, her ability to recall their names and details of their lives, and her genuine care for others. She was a true treasure to her many friends and was beloved by all who knew her. Carolyn's friendships were a testament to her deep capacity for love and her natural ability to make everyone feel valued. She treasured each and every friend she had – though she never met a stranger – and considered many of her friends to be family. Her legacy will live on through the countless lives she touched. Carolyn's life was a beautiful example of what it means to live with purpose, compassion, and a heart full of grace. She will be deeply missed but never forgotten.

Carolyn was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Eva Phipps. She is survived by her daughter, Karen Small of Texas; her son, Warren Lane of Tennessee; her granddaughter, Sarah Small of Florida; a niece, Traci Lane of Texas; and many friends who were considered family.

Family and friends may visit on Friday, January 17th, from 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm at Colonial Funeral Home Chapel, 606 West Airport Freeway, Irving, TX 75062. The funeral service will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, January 18, 2025, at St. Mark's Episcopal Church, 516 S. O'Connor Road, Irving, TX 75060. Carolyn will be interred at Oak Hill Cemetery in Kingsport, TN, on Monday, January 20, 2025, at 1:00 pm. In memory of Carolyn, please consider donating to Prevent Child Abuse America, a cause she deeply supported through her association with Kappa Delta.