Carol Manwarren

Carol Scott Carothers Manwarren, our beloved mother and grandmother, left this earthly life at the Abilene Hendrick Medical Center on Sunday morning, May 5, where she was surrounded by her family. She was the daughter of the late John Oliver and Doris Scott Carothers. Born in Brownwood, Texas, she spent her early years in Palestine, Texas. Carol’s family moved to Farmington, NM in the early 1950s, where she graduated from Farmington High School in 1957. It was there that she met the love of her life, Clark Wayne Manwarren. They married on April 5, 1958. Carol attended the University of New Mexico as a music major where she studied piano and voice. She and Clark moved back to Farmington where they spent the early years of their marriage. In 1965, she and Clark, along with their two children, moved to El Paso, TX, where they lived for 37 years. After retirement, they moved to Abilene, TX, in 2002 to be close to their daughter, son-in-law and two grandchildren.

During their time in El Paso, Carol served for many years as the organist of the First Baptist Church of El Paso. She also worked for several insurance agencies, including American and British, as well as the John D. Williams Company. Carol’s passion throughout life was music. After retirement, she sang in the choir at the First Baptist Church of Abilene, where she was a church member. She played piano for choral ensembles at her church, and for many years, accompanied band students at Madison Middle School for their solo competitions. She served on the Board of the Center for Counseling, a ministry of the First Baptist Church of Abilene. Carol’s first calling, however, was a homemaker. Her greatest pleasure in life was being a wife, mother, and grandmother. She supported her children and grandchildren in numerous piano recitals, band concerts, choir concerts, and sporting events.

Carol was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Clark, to whom she was married for almost 45 years. Those left to cherish her memory are her brother, John Carothers, Jr.; son Matthew Manwarren; daughter and son-in-law Ashley and Darrell Roy; and grandchildren Taylor Liang (Brian) and Nicholas Roy.

Carol was known for her witty personality, her vibrant sense of humor, her charm, and her love of people. She was a stranger to no one.

A celebration of life will be held on Thursday, May 9, 2 pm, at the First Baptist Church of Abilene with the Rev. C.V. Blake and Dr. Larry McGraw officiating. A musical tribute of Carol’s favorite hymns and organ pieces she performed will begin at 1:30. The family will greet guests following the service in the church’s welcome center.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to the Abilene First Baptist Church Music Ministry.