Carolyn Cariker Hillin has died after a short battle with pancreatic cancer.  She met her final illness head-on, and she won the battle on May 17, 2025. She will be greatly missed, and the sting of being separated from loved ones is painful.  However, because of her faith in Jesus Christ, they have confidence that she is no longer suffering.

Carolyn Cariker was born July 5, 1947, in Henderson, Texas, to John Allen and Gladys Worley Cariker. She grew up in Long Branch in a Christian home filled with lots of love and powered by hard work. She was a member of Long Branch Missionary Baptist Church.

Carolyn attended school in Carthage where she graduated with the Bulldog Class of 1965.  She was in the choir. She loved music and had a beautiful voice. She played for Coach Sandra Walker on the Lady Bulldog basketball team where she was a starting defensive player.  The team won the district championship her senior year, and she was named to the All-District Team. Even with those accolades, her brothers used to tease her because she never made a basket. Back then, girls played half-court basketball, and defensive players never had the opportunity to score. She graduated from Panola College in 1967, and she went to work for Drew Woods, Inc. Carolyn married Rickey Hillin on February 14, 1969, and they were blessed with two daughters. She later worked as a secretary for other businesses, and in recent years, she was a private sitter.

Carolyn never met a stranger. She loved everybody and everybody loved her.  With her ever-present smile and infectious laugh, she lit up every room she entered. She lifted everyone's spirits, and everyone's load was a little lighter after they shared a laugh.  Her family was her world, and she loved them to a fault. She also loved her fur babies, and she and her girls enjoyed going penny shopping at Dollar General in search of a bargain. Carolyn was also an excellent cook - she came from a long line of good cooks on both sides of her family.

Carolyn was preceded in death by her parents, and her beloved sister, Geraldine "Deanie" Brady. She is survived by daughters, Wendy Dodson and Misty Hillin, both of Long Branch; three grandchildren, Cody Dodson and wife Skyllar of Kilgore, Colten Dodson, and Austin Roys; one great-grandchild, Cooper Dodson of Kilgore; brothers, Allen W. Cariker and wife Bobbie of Carthage and Don R. Cariker and wife Janice of Longview; brother-in-law, Pete Brady of Carthage; six nephews and their families; a large extended family; and a host of friends.

A graveside service will be held at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, at Long Branch Cemetery with Bro. Steve Owen officiating under the direction of Jimerson-Lipsey Funeral Home. The family will receive friends for a time of visitation from 12 noon – 1 p.m. at the funeral home on Wednesday prior to the graveside service.

Pallbearers are Ray Brady, Roy Brady, Heath Cariker, Austin Roys, Colten Dodson, and Cody Dodson.

Honorary Pallbearers are Roy Carpenter and Mason Allen.

A guestbook may be signed online at www.jimerson-lipsey.com.