CAROLE LEE WARD January 28, 1944 - August 13, 2025

Carole Lee Pearson was born in Whitesboro Texas on January 28, 1944, at the Greer Clinic while her father "Dude" was serving in the military during WWII. She was the beloved daughter of JT and Opal Lee Pearson. Carole's childhood and early years began in Denton, Texas where she lived near many close relatives that enjoyed spoiling her. Her first best friend was her brother Dennis, born in 1950. Their golden years and fond memories were spent at the family farm in Collinsville with their Boren cousins and grandparents. They both had a deep connection with music and shared many years in tune. Growing up in a Christian home, Carole and her father were even baptized on the same date. As most of you know, unique Carole never met a stranger. In her school days, she made an A in talking and socializing. Her stories from drama class, state competitions, & the Spanish trip to Mexico at Denton High School were some of her favorite experiences. She graduated in 1962. Carole didn't waste any time and put her many talents to good use. She performed often, whether singing hymns in church choir, or folk music at lounges, Eastern Star ceremonies, and music jam circles.

Her first romance in high school and her Sunday school beau was John Miller. They were married in January 1963. While working on her college degree, she put another one of her hobbies to use and became a florist in downtown Dallas. By 1966 it was wartime again, so she and John traveled to Europe for his duty. John served in the Army, and Carole learned some German language from the adored village children.

Along the way, daughter Lauren was born in 1967 while abroad in Heidelberg, Germany. After being away and homesick from her family, she and baby returned to the states. In 1969, Carole & Kenneth Long rekindled their bond and married. They re-located to Plano, Texas for exciting job opportunities. In the 70's, Carole graduated from North Texas State University and gave birth to their son Kyle. The young family was growing but not yet done. In 1973 Leslye made her grand debut on opening day of dove season, and the unit was complete.

Carole's house was always the fun place growing up, and all the neighborhood kids wanted to be in her home. Plano was a small town at that time, and a superb community to raise children in America. In her spare time, she completed the family genealogy lineage and became a member of the Daughters of American Revolution.

In 1987, Carole met Mike Ward while out with friends and it all was history from there. They soon married without hesitation. He was in auto sales in Dallas, while Carole was making a difference 1 child at a time teaching in the public school system. She taught English, math, art, & basic life skills for 25+ years. Many of those students have stayed in touch with her always remembering the funny stories and because she truly believed in them. She always said that she would have done it for free.

Mike & Carole made it work and managed to co- parent their 5 teenagers across north Texas until they ALL eventually left the nest.

Although the kids moved out, she kept strong bonds as their cheerleader and attended many livestock shows, road trips, music festivals, sporting events, graduations & crawfish fundraisers and receptions. She earned the title of "Cici" as the grandkids came along. If you were lucky to know Cici, it gave her joy to play you a tune on her harmonica and tell jokes. Carole & Mike settled off the grid in Grayson County where they continued their easy life together for over 35 years of camping, chickens, pets, fishing, dancing, football, crocheting, painting & family times until his death in 2022. She stayed positive and continued meeting new friends in new circles such as her "Sadler lunch group", "breakfast church pals", and monthly Bronco luncheons back in Denton.

In her spare time, she participated in art shows with her inspiring paintings. She also created and donated handmade hats and gifts of love to the Children's hospital, women's prison ministry, community shelters, and anyone that could use a friend... You could always find Carole driving around Whitesboro in her ponytails and coffee cup talking to local citizens or buying chicken feed.

It is no surprise, Carole leaves behind a legacy of her positive impact, motivating attitude, compassion on her family, friends, & hundreds of students she guided through life.

In her final days, she was surrounded by family and friends until she met the hands of Jesus. Although we are saddened by her separation on earth, she will reunite and celebrate with her loved ones in heaven.

Carole is survived by her daughter Lauren Ballard & husband Jim, daughter Leslye Rosin & husband Jimmy, Greg Ward & wife Misty, Kim Jinkins & husband Jesse, Grandchildren: McKenna Long, Bethany Ballard Clevenger, Brayden Ward, lndie Rosin, Grayson Ward, Molly Ward, Devin Ballard, Katie Ballard, Lindsey Gray, Niece Kalyn Spitler, nephew Nathan Pearson, Uncle Doug Boren, many cousins, life long friends, and cherished Denton Broncos Class of 62'.

Carole is preceded in death by her parents, brother Dennis, husband Mike, son Kyle, and grandson Kolbe.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to a charity of your choice or First Baptist Church of Whitesboro

A Celebration of life for Carole will be held on Friday September 5th, 2025. Visitation 10:00 am, Memorial Service at 11:00 am, First Baptist Church 124 Center Street, Whitesboro, Texas 76273.