Carolyn Sue (Bedford) Robbins

Carolyn Sue (Bedford) Robbins was born on September 19, 1942, in Washington, D.C., to Barney and Verlene Bedford. Her family later settled in Abilene, Texas, where she grew up, attended college, and began her married life. Carolyn passed away on January 6, 2026, in McKinney, Texas, at the age of 83.

Before moving to Abilene, Carolyn’s family lived in San Angelo, Texas where she met the love of her life, Joe Robbins, at church when they were just eight and ten years old. After Carolyn’s family relocated to Abilene, she and Joe maintained a long-distance friendship and eventually began dating. Carolyn graduated from Abilene High School in 1960, where she played clarinet in the marching band, often crossing paths with Joe, who played the French horn in the rival San Angelo band. Carolyn continued her education at Abilene Christian College, earning a place on the Dean’s List. The couple married on October 6, 1961, at Highland Church of Christ in Abilene, sharing 56 years together until Joe’s passing in March 2018.

After several years as a devoted homemaker to three lively children, Carolyn began working as an administrative assistant for Pleasant Grove ISD in Texarkana, Texas. Her musical talents flourished as she sang in church and joined The MELLA-TONES, a women’s a cappella group at Rose Hill Church of Christ. The group’s beautiful harmonies graced weddings, funerals, and holiday gatherings, and their gospel hymns were eternalized on a double-sided, 14-track vinyl album—a cherished keepsake for their families and community.

Carolyn was an avid reader, often finishing multiple books in a single weekend, and enjoyed works by Danielle Steele John Grisham, and James Patterson. She had a natural gift for interior design, transforming spaces into personalized havens, and was equally talented at curating wardrobes for herself, her family, and others. Carolyn’s love for dogs was evident throughout her life, rarely having fewer than one canine companion at a time.

Together, Carolyn and Joe were passionate supporters of the Special Olympics, helping to establish a chapter in Texarkana, where their son Mark was a decorated track athlete. Their commitment to service extended to their church, school, and volunteer communities for two decades before moving to Irving, Texas, in 1985. In Irving, Carolyn continued her public-school work with Irving ISD until retiring in 2013.

Carolyn’s legacy is one of generosity, devotion, and love, remembered fondly by her family, friends, and community.

Carolyn is survived by her children Michelle Robbins (Liz Carr) and Mark Robbins of Plano, Texas, Matt Robbins (Christy) of Dallas, Texas; grandchildren Reagan Rosebrock (Preston) of Woodway, Texas, and Caleb Robbins of Plano, Texas; great-grandchild Hannah Rosebrock; sister Marolyn McCreery (Bob) of Fort Worth, Texas; sister-in-law Janet Robbins of Allen, Texas; and brother-in-law and sister-in-law Tony and Janice Mauldin of Abilene, Texas. She was preceded in death by her husband Joe, her parents, and her brothers-in-law John and Jerry Robbins and sister-in-law Cheryl Robbins.

A memorial service will be held at 3:00 p.m., Friday, January 16, 2026, at Allen Family Funeral Options.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Change a Life at: https://www.calkenya.org/ a Christian-based ministry serving the poorest children in the slums of Kenya. The organization provides food, clothing, housing, and education to at-risk children aged four through high school.

Change a Life is founded and managed by Carolyn’s brother-in-law Tony and sister-in-law Janice.

Carolyn’s chains are gone from the mind and body that failed her for the last 11 years. Her family and friends will grieve this earthly loss and celebrate her life while rejoicing in the fact that she is with her Lord in her heavenly home.