Carol Edwards

Carol Dean (Gruben) Edwards was called to Heaven on April 21, 2022. Carol was born on June 4, 1930, in Rotan, Texas to Danie and Pearl Gruben. She was the fourth of seven children. Carol spent her early years in Rotan and attended school there. As a family of cotton farmers, she learned the importance of hard work, love of family, but also the importance of faith and a love of God. The family was active members of the Cross Roads Baptist Church.

After graduation, she met Hughey Edwards and on June 27, 1948, she eloped with him, on a motorcycle no less. They moved to Corpus Christi and two years later they welcomed their son, Donald Ricky Edwards. Carol worked for many years at Southwestern Bell which later became AT&T; she was always the go-to problem solver. She was active in the Telephone Pioneers and their museum. She retired in December 1984. Carol was a member of the Morgan Avenue Baptist Church, Calallen Baptist Church and finally River Hills Baptist Church. Hughey and Carol were married for 43 years before his passing. They shared a love of motorcycle riding and doting on their granddaughter.

Carol had an intense love of all crafts, especially sewing and crocheting. After retirement, she was free to spend many more hours sewing and crafting her days away. Carol and Mildred ministered to many people through the church. They always had a hand-crafted gift in hand, cheery smiles, prayers, and words of encouragement. So many people were touched by their selfless acts.

Before Carol became homebound, she was always out and about, ministering to others, helping with the Pioneer Museum, and enjoying her family. She loved her family fiercely and relished attending all the events of not only her granddaughter and great-grandchildren, but her siblings, nieces, and nephews. She took her role as Grandmother and Great-Grandmother role very seriously. She was generous with her love and generous with her homemade crafts, just ask Tami how many blankets Carol made for the first great-grandson!

Preceded in death by her parents, Danie and Pearl Gruben; her brothers, Lindsey Gruben and Eugene Gruben; sisters, Irene Clawson and Mildred Thieme; great-granddaughter, Katie Cleary, and her beloved husband, Hughey.

She is survived by her son, Rick Edwards, of Corpus Christi; sister, Loneta Williams of Longview; brother, D. Laveral Gruben (Alice) of Albuquerque, New Mexico; granddaughter, Tami Cleary (Stephen) of Corpus Christi; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends.

Carol had five great-grandchildren who were her pride and joy: Jacob Yanez, Emma Cleary, Christopher Cleary, and Grace Cleary.

For the past five years, Emma Rose Hardigree was her caregiver and friend. Through her amazing care, we were able to enjoy more years with Carol.