In Loving Memory Of Carolyne Stephens

Church service for Carolyne Stephens, age 76, of Earth, Texas, was held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, April 2, 2022 at First Baptist Church in Earth with Ryan Smallwood of Lubbock, Texas officiating. Burial was in Earth Memorial Cemetery. Carolyne died Monday, March 28, 2022 in Lubbock, Texas. She was born April 7, 1945 in Vallejo, California to Carl and Loreta (Truelock) Gregory. She married Gayland Stephens in Earth on June 29, 1963.

Carolyne worked at Springlake-Earth schools for many years, and considered many of the kids her own. She was a vibrant part of the Earth community, and was a member of the Earth Springlake Area Senior Citizens and served as Vice-President. She was also a charter member of We the Women in Earth. Carolyne enjoyed playing bridge every chance she got and was a member of the Olton and Earth Bridge Clubs. She was the Club Manager of Springlake Earth 4H Club and was a member of the Lamb County Parent Leaders Association. She was also the secretary of the LEHA, and was the Distinguished 4H Leader in 1986. Carolyne was without a doubt, very civic minded. She loved working local elections and attending city meetings, always voicing her opinion. She is credited with getting a flag and the Pledge of Allegiance at all city meetings. Carolyne was loved by all who knew her and she loved everybody she knew. She was a member of First Baptist Church in Earth.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Gayland; her parents; a brother, Carlton; a sister-in-law, Alicia Gregory; a son-in-law, Richard Cook; and a nephew, Wade Short.

Carolyne is survived by her two daughters, Vonda Cleavinger of Lubbock, Texas and Sharman Cook and her fiancé, Andy Stewart of Idalou, Texas; her four sisters, Diana Carpenter and her husband, Jerry of Earth, Texas, Linda Short and her husband, Phil of Monett, Missouri, Vicky Sollis and her husband, John of Lubbock, Texas and Peggy Jones and her husband, Brent of Sulphur, Oklahoma; her brother, Tommy Gregory of Earth, Texas; her five grandchildren, Sarah Buxkemper and her husband, Brady, Shelby King and her husband, Jared, Carson Cleavinger and his wife, Savannah, J.W. Cook and Madyson Cook; and her eight great-grandchildren, Brooklyn Buxkemper, Zaelyn Buxkemper, Kyson Buxkemper, Quade Buxkemper, Harper King, Indee King, Jedd King and Quincy Cleavinger.

Carolyne will be missed by so many family and friends, including her dearest, life-long friend, Yvonne Layman and her casino companion, Julia Latham. The family wishes to thank Carolynes nieces, Kaci Miller and Cristi Paulk, who devoted so much of their time, especially during these last few months, to care for her physical needs, as well as her emotional well-being. A special thank you to her brother, Tommy and friends and neighbors for always looking out for her best interest and helping her in any way, as well as Dr. Martinez and his staff.

The family suggests memorials be sent to Earth Springlake Area Senior Citizens, PO Box 192, Earth, Texas, 79031 or We the Women of Earth, c/o Yvonne Layman, PO Box 60, Earth, Texas, 79031.

Online condolences may be made at www.ellisfuneralhomes.com.