Obituary of Evelyn-Claire Carroll

Evelyn Claire Hawes Carroll, 91, passed away Tuesday, Dec. 23, 2008. She grew up in Port O'Connor and on Matagorda Island, both located in Texas. Her family settled on Matagorda Island, establishing a ranching tradition that was carried on through many generations until 1940 when the land was taken from the family by the government at the start of World War II. Despite a persistent battle led by her brother, Joe Hawes, the land never was returned to the family. She taught school in Port O'Connor, where she met and married Terry Carroll Sr. and then became a devoted Air Force wife, traveling abroad and settling in Panama City, Fla., in the late 1950s. Evelyn had a passion for sewing and cooking, and had a great sense of humor. She was a member of St. Dominic's Catholic Church. She is survived by five children, Susann McKee, Terry Carroll Jr. and wife, Martha, Julie Carroll and husband, Stephen Dykes, Michelle Carroll and Michael Carroll and wife, Blythe; sister, Betty Bell and husband, L'Roy; 12 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, Lloyd and Gustava Hawes; husband, Terry Carroll Sr.; and three brothers, Leslie Hawes, Lloyd "Buck" Hawes and Joseph Hawes. A special thanks goes to her private caregivers, the staff of GlenCove Nursing Pavilion and to Dr. Adhal for his kindness. Per her wishes, her ashes will be scattered over Matagorda Island and the Gulf of Mexico. If you would like to honor her, please make an ongoing commitment to spend extra time with an elderly relative, neighbor or friend while they still are with us.