Carolyn Gay McMinn

It pains me to admit it, but apparently, I have passed away. Everyone told me it would happen one day but that’s simply not something I wanted to hear, much less experience, but as everyone knows GOD has a plan for each of us. If you ask my husband, Jim, I always got my way in life. 

 And while on that subject, the story of my life……. on June 1, 1951 my parents and older sister, Sharon, celebrated my birth and I was introduced to all as Carolyn Gay Watson the daughter of Amos and Pauline Watson of Amarillo, Texas. 

 I can’t believe that happened in the first half of the last century but there are records on file in the Court House which can corroborate this claim. 

 10 years later when my baby brother, Mike, was born I became the middle Watson child. Which began my reign of keeping my parents on their toes. Taking a spanking, from my dad, gave us both a good workout; while I ran around the bathroom, so I didn’t get what was coming to me. 

 As a child, my siblings and I enjoyed going to the skating rink every Saturday. Of course, I was the fastest and most limber which won me a pair of roller skates. My love and natural ability of athletics led to my many years of working with elementary aged children, as a P.E. Assistant, at Sundown Lane. 

 So many things in my life seemed of little significance at the time they happened but then took on a greater importance as I got older. The memories I’m taking with me now are so precious and have more value than all the money I saved at Wal-Mart. That is what my husband Jim always said, “Go get money from your savings at Wal-Mart”, because you know I couldn’t pass up a good deal. 

 Memories…. Where do I begin? 

 My mom always made sure I was dressed for success when I went outside to play. Little did my mom know, those clothes weren’t going to last long. 

 While it may surprise some of you to know that my older sister, Sharon, and I didn’t always just sit around the house reading the Bible. When we saw lights from our parent’s vehicle, shining through the big bay window we had to make our pinky promises that what happens while the cats are away, and the mice play are secrets that I have taken to my grave. Sharon keep your mouth shut. 

 Little Brothers can be very trying; to keep me honest my parents would send Mike with me on dates. I definitely didn’t want Mike with me, so I tried bribing him with ice cream to stay at the house. 

 A really special treat was when my mom took my siblings and I to the drug store to get a Mars bar. 

 My dad worked two jobs but always took the time on Friday nights to take us to Fulton’s for a hamburger and a chocolate malt; which was so thick it had to be eaten with a spoon. 

 On my birthday in 1968, I got one of my greatest gifts ever, when I married my best friend, Jim. Despite my many efforts to break up with Jim, my mom would take me by the hand and walk my bottom back across the street so I could make up with Jim. Looking back now I’m truly grateful this happened. To my wonderful husband thanks for standing by my side all these years. 

  Jim and I were blessed with three daughters. First, came Stacie next came Suezan and last to join our party was Sandi. 

 This might be a good time to mend fences. I apologize for making Stacie wear Tough Skin jeans, which she looked very cute in, when she was little, to Suezan for giving away her Kool-Aid Man, that she loved, but made messes and to Sandi for the boy haircuts she really hated but she hated having her hair brushed more.

 Just when I thought I was too old to fall in love again, I became Nana, to nine grandkids who then blessed me with 20 great-grandkids. One of those great-grandkids was waiting for me when I skated in, with my hair on fire, to the Pearly Gates of Heaven on Sunday, September 1, 2024. 

 I’ve always maintained that my greatest achievements were making sure that my grandkids were loved, and my gift closet was always full. I was always one for adventure, might have tried creating a campfire in the house, which my husband stopped; so, had to settle for roasting marshmallows over a candle flame. 

 I’ve held a few titles in my day. I’ve been a devoted daughter, a sassy sister, a loving wife, a comforting mother, a dedicated P.E. assistant, a true and loyal friend, and a spoiling Nana. And if you don’t believe it, just ask me. Oh wait, I’m afraid it’s too late for questions. Sorry!

 So… I was born; I blinked; and it was over. 

 No buildings named after me; no monuments erected in my honor. But I DID have the chance to know and love each and every friend as well as all my family members. How much more blessed can a person be? 

 So, in the end, remember you can do all things through Christ who strengthens you and make something amazing out of your life. Oh, and never stop smiling. 

 When shopping at Wal-Mart or hitting up a garage sale you know I will be there in one form or another. 

 I will leave you with this…. please don’t cry because I’m gone; instead be happy that I was here. (Or maybe you can cry a little bit, I have passed away). 

 Today I am happy and I am dancing. Probably naked. 

 Love you hun.