Carol O Mays

Carol went to be with her Lord, Jesus Christ on Friday, Feb 3rd, 2023….one day shy of her 94th birthday. Carol was born in Bloomington, Indiana on February 4th, 1929. She was pre-deceased by her loving husband of 63 years, James W. Mays. She is survived by her children, Jay Mays and Kay Mays, Jay’s wife, Susan, grandchildren Trey, Bobby and his wife, Taryn, and her great-granddaughter, Collins, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Although born in Indiana, Carol moved to Austin, Texas at the age of 2. She was the middle child of 5 children (3 sisters and 1 brother) born to Hobert and Pearl Owens. Carol grew up during an era where so many changes were happening in the world. The stock market crashed the year she was born. The Great Depression came in the 1930’s, followed by World War II. She attended Austin High School and was active in several social clubs. She graduated high school 2 years early---at the age of 16 in 1945--and went on to attend college at Stephens College in Columbia, Missouri. At that time, Stephens College was an all-girls school and had trains that traveled all over the country, stopping in various cities to pick up the girls from a particular region and bring them to school. Carol got on board in San Antonio and set off on a new chapter in her life! She loved going to Stephens and met many life-long friends there. After a year at Stephens, she was pretty homesick and decided to return to Austin and attended the University of Texas for a short time. A year later, she found her way back to Stephens and, although accumulating at least 180 hours towards a degree, her class selections were not focused in any particular direction, thus resulting in an Associate’s Degree in Liberal Arts.

While at the University, Carol accomplished one thing that would prove to be a life-changing victory for her: She met the love of her life, Jim, aka, “Jimmy” Mays. They met while on a blind date---just not with each other! He was on a date with another woman, and she with another man. The story that’s been told forever was that they were all riding in the back seat of another couple’s car and, according to Carol, Jim put his hand on her knee---not his date’s knee! Of course, Jim never admitted one way or the other! Smart man!

Jim proposed to Carol at least 4 times. They got engaged. They broke up. They got engaged. They broke up. One of the break-ups included the engagement ring being thrown across the room. It was so “on again off again” that even her mother said, “I’ll believe it (the marriage) when I see it!” Finally, on September 1st, 1951, Jim and Carol were married.

Although Carol never had a career, she loved being a secretary. During the time she was attending the University, she worked for the State Capitol. Her secretarial skills were remarkable, especially her typing skills! At one point, she was referred to as “Flying Fingers!”

Carol’s real career came after she was married and had Jay and Kay. She was a homemaker and mother through and through. Her focus was always on her family. Everything revolved around family. Every Christmas, every birthday….she wanted all of her family together. And they all happily obliged.

One extremely strong character trait of Carol’s was her emotional intensity. If she became passionate about something, there was no stopping her. If she was happy…it was 100%. If she was angry...it was 100%! Regardless of whether she was happy or sad or glad or mad…she did it with all of her being. She could love you to death or hold a grudge against you until doomsday! Carol was a woman of strong convictions, to say the least.

Carol stayed active in many things – She loved to dance and listen to music. She loved to play games—anything from a lively round of Charades with friends and family to a simple card game. She was a good Bridge player and hosted numerous Bridge parties at her home. One of her all-time favorite things to do was play Bingo. In fact, at one point, the family belonged to 2 different country clubs just so she had more days to play! However, of all the things she enjoyed, she would admit that the number one thing she loved to do the most was go to the casino.

She and Jim spent many years going to Las Vegas and took family trips to Lake Tahoe. It was a true jackpot for her when the boats came into Shreveport. A short drive and she could hit the slots! Additionally, while in Shreveport, she and Jim loved to go to the horse races at Louisiana Downs (and, truth be told, she was a pretty good handicapper!). No matter where she went or if she stayed home, though, her heart was full as long as her family was beside her.

Although believing that she never accomplished anything important, her family will attest to the fact that she was a devoted friend, wonderful wife and caring mother. We were some of her greatest accomplishments.

A Visitation will be held for Carol Mays on February 15, 2023 from 6:00PM - 8:00PM at Ted Dickey West Funeral Home 7990 President George Bush Tpke, Dallas, TX 75252. A Graveside Service will be held on Thursday, February 16, 2023 at 11:15AM at the Dallas Fort Worth National Cemetery, 2000 Mountain Creek Pkwy, Dallas, TX 75211.