Carolyn Strain

Carolyn Henshaw Strain, 88, passed away at home on July 4, 2022.

Carolyn was born to Virginia Whitman & Edward B. Henshaw on August 12, 1933 in Haskell, Texas.  At age six, her family moved to Spur, Texas for ten years before moving back to Haskell where she graduated from Haskell High School. Upon graduation, she attended the University of Texas at Arlington in Fort Worth.  Carolyn married James Henderson Strain, Jr. on May 30, 1952 and they celebrated 61 years together until his death in 2013.

Carolyn was a devoted wife and mother, spending many hours as a Brownie and Girl Scout leader, home room mother, and loved watching every baseball and football game that her children played. Not only did she play a central role in the active lives of her family members, but Carolyn also never lost interest in sharing an animated conversation with all people– every age, every walk of life, close friends as well as people she happened to meet.  She was active in many organizations including the Abilene Woman’s Club, Mothers Study Club, and Pensadoras.  She served in leadership roles as secretary of the Junior League, secretary of PTA, and was a long-time member of Aldersgate United Methodist Church. 

Carolyn was preceded in death by her sister Shirley Browning, and is survived by her daughter Jayne Richardson, son Steve Strain & wife Cindy, and son Kent Strain. She is also survived by grandchildren Ross Strain & wife Melissa, Alexis Richardson, Whit Strain, Court Richardson & wife Cayla, and Kaitlyn Strain. Carolyn also had three great grandchildren.

Carolyn’s final few years of life were greatly enhanced by many loving caregivers to whom her family is deeply grateful, especially Tammy, Elsa and Salomé.  Many thanks as well for the comfort and care given by the very skilled and compassionate nurses of Hendrick Hospice. 

A celebration of Carolyn Strain’s life will be held at Aldersgate United Methodist Church at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, July 11, 2022. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to Hendrick Hospice, Aldersgate United Methodist Church, or your personal favorite charity.