Carolyn was born to Delmo and Healon Ricks in Anson, Texas, on the plains of West Texas. Early in her life, the family moved to Fort Worth, Texas with her twin brother, Dwain Ricks. She lived in Fort Worth during her formative years, graduating from Polytechnic High School in 1952. She met the love of her life, Forrest Aven, in Fort Worth and they were married in 1953--a marriage that lasted 66 years.
While Forrest served time in the United States Army, they lived in Alabama returning to Texas upon his honorable discharged. Forrest and Carolyn left Fort Worth after his graduation from TCU for Arlington, Texas. Early in their marriage, they had two children, Forrest (Frank) Jr. and Cheryl. The family attended First Baptist Church in Arlington, Texas.
Once the children were older, Carolyn returned to college and graduated from Texas Wesleyan College (now Texas Wesleyan University) in 1969 with a BS in Education. Carolyn later graduated from TCU with a Master’s in Education in 1975. She taught first grade at Dunn then Amos Elementary in the Arlington Independent School District (AISD). As a Reading Improvement and ESOL Specialist, she taught various grades at Berry Elementary before moving to Nichols Junior High. During her teaching career, she was honored as a Who’s Who among Texas Educators and was awarded Teacher of the Year honors at both Berry Elementary and Nichols Junior High. She ended her career as an ombudsman for AISD in the early 1990s. Also, Carolyn taught Reading courses at both TCU and Jarvis College. Besides teaching, Carolyn was a member of the Arlington Woman Club and served as President of the Arlington Story League.
Upon her retirement from teaching for AISD and Forrest’s retirement, they moved to enjoy their golden years at Holly Lake Ranch, Texas. Here they enjoyed the company of their friends and travel. Carolyn and Forrest were very active in their local church, Holly Brook Baptist Church, and their local community. They moved to Austin in 2016 to be near their daughter, Cheryl.
Carolyn is survived by her younger brother, Dan Ricks and his wife Marsha Ricks; two children, Dr Forrest (Frank) Aven Jr and Cheryl Aven Taylor, their spouses, Patti Piper Aven and John Scott Taylor, and three grandchildren, Stefanie Taylor, Christopher Taylor, and Morgan Aven.
She is preceded in death by the love of her life, Forrest Aven (married over 66 years); her parents, Delmo and Healon Ricks, along with her twin brother, Dwain Ricks.
Carolyn lived a full life dedicated to Christ, her family, and the love of teaching.
Carolyn will be cremated and interred, allowing her to again be with her husband, at the Memorial Garden located at the Lakeway Church in Lakeway, Texas.
There will be a private family service due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Our family would love to hear your thoughts about our mother, so please leave a memory.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to a charity of your choice.
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