Carla Cay Carlson Keister

March 22, 1958 – February 22, 2025

Carla Cay Carlson Keister, 66, of Sherman, Texas, passed away peacefully on February 22, 2025. She was born on March 22, 1958, in Grapevine, Texas, to Ann Davis Carlson and Bill Carlson and lived a life full of love, laughter, and generosity.

Carla married the love of her life, Randy Keister, on May 1, 1982, and together they built a beautiful family. She was a devoted mother to her children—twin daughters Amanda and Jessica Keister, daughter Jennifer Hightower, and son Jeff Keister. Her love extended even further to her grandchildren, Dixie, Jase, and Shylee Keister, and Sawyer Hightower, as well as her three great-grandchildren.

A graduate of Austin College in 1980, Carla was a proud member and president of Kappa Gamma Chi. A true social butterfly, she made lifelong friends and left a lasting impact on everyone she met. She had a passion for art, a love for gardening, and a keen eye for treasures found at thrift stores and garage sales. Carla found happiness in simple joys, especially spending time with her family.

Carla dedicated much of her life to shaping young minds as a beloved kindergarten teacher at Crutchfield Elementary. She had a natural gift for connecting with children, bringing warmth, patience, and creativity into her classroom. Teaching was not just her profession but her passion, and she touched the lives of countless students over the years.

Beyond her love for family, teaching, and community, Carla was known for her fun-loving personality and sharp sense of humor. She had an infectious laugh and a quick wit, always ready with a joke or a funny story to brighten the room. She brought joy to those around her and could turn any moment into a reason to smile.

Carla was preceded in death by her parents, Ann Davis Carlson and Bill Carlson, as well as her lifelong best friend, Cheryl Dickson Presnall.

Her generosity extended beyond the classroom and into her community. She volunteered for Meals on Wheels and was an active member of the United Methodist Women at Friendship United Methodist Church. She believed in service, kindness, and making the world a better place for those around her.

Carla's warmth, creativity, and boundless love will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

A celebration of life service will be held on March 8, 2024, at 11:00 AM at Friendship United Methodist Church in Sherman, Texas.