Carolyn Jean (Ballard) Dawson, age 72, was born on December 5, 1953, to the late Charlie and Diamond (Osborne) Ballard in Carthage, Texas. Leaving a legacy of love and goodwill, she will be cherished forever.  Funeral services will be held on Sunday, September 13, 2026 at 1:00 PM at Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church in Oakwood with burial immediately following at The Dawson Family Cemetery. A viewing will be held on Saturday, September 12, 2026 from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM at McCoy Funeral Home.

Carolyn attended Carthage High School. She married Robert Earl Dawson, Sr. and became a loving homemaker, nurturing her eight children alongside her husband. The two remained united in holy matrimony for over 55 years until her passing.

At an early age, Carolyn confessed Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior, uniting with Shady Grove Missionary Baptist Church in Long Branch, Texas.

Among many hobbies, Carolyn enjoyed reading, cooking, and spending time with her family. She especially delighted in spending time with her grandchildren. Loving and supporting her grandchildren and great-grandchildren brought her great joy.

Affectionately regarded as “Granny”, Carolyn will be fondly remembered for her kind, witty, and devoted nature. Her loving spirit will be missed by all who knew and loved her.

On September 8, 2026, Carolyn sighed her last breath on earth at Christus Mother Frances Hospital in Tyler and exhaled her first in Heaven.

She was preceded in death by her brothers, Nervan Ballard, Lawrence Ballard, Osborne Steve Ballard, and Mondell Ballard; and her sisters, Rose Mae Edmond, Inez Harris, Pearline Wilcots, and Clanzy Dawson.

Those left to cherish wonderful memories include her husband, Robert Earl Dawson, Sr.; her daughters, Priscilla Spurlock (Adrian), Cynthia Bailey (Jerry), Rita Faye Dawson, Nicole Dawson, Melinda Dawson, and Claudia Dawson; her sons, Robert Earl Dawson Jr. and Derrick Dawson; 15 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; her sisters, Mary Johnson and Mary Mitchell (Ernie); her brothers, Rayford Ballard and William Ballard; and a host of extended family and friends.