(April 14, 1944 – October 9, 2025)
Carolyn McLean, a devoted mother, grandmother, sister, and Navy wife, passed away on October 9, 2025. She was born on April 14, 1944, in Dublin, Texas, to Ross and Valdine Whitehead. Carolyn’s life was defined by her deep love for family, her strength, and her unwavering ability to keep those she loved connected.
After graduating from John Marshall High School in San Antonio, she attended Bethany College in Oklahoma City. During that time, she met the love of her life, Bill McLean. Their connection was undeniable, and she chose to leave school to build a life with him. They married on July 15, 1964, and Carolyn embraced the role of a Navy wife with dedication and resilience, supporting Bill’s military career while raising their daughters, Kim and Kathy.
After Bill retired from the Navy, Carolyn and Bill lived the rest of their lives in Carrollton, Texas. For five of those years, they had the incredible opportunity to live in Sweden and Ireland. While abroad, they traveled the world together, creating memories that Carolyn cherished for a lifetime.
Family was at the center of Carolyn’s world. She found immense joy in being a wife, mother, grandmother, daughter and sister. She adored her grandchildren, Sammy and Johnny Porter, and treasured every moment spent with them. Whether it was celebrating milestones, sharing stories, or simply enjoying their company, she embraced every opportunity to show her love.
Carolyn was the heart of her family—the one who kept everyone connected, ensuring that love and traditions carried on through generations. She loved deeply and fiercely, always putting her family first. Bluebonnets and yellow roses brought her joy, as did her beloved Coca-Cola collection. She had a deep love for the holidays, not just for the festivities, but because they brought her family together.
In her later years, Carolyn faced the challenges of dementia. Though the disease took so much from her, it never erased the love she had for her family or the impact she had on those around her.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Ross and Valdine Whitehead, and her beloved husband, Bill McLean.
She is survived by her daughters, Kim Porter and Kathy McLean; grandchildren, Sammy and Johnny Porter; and daughter-in-law, Regina Armenta. Carolyn also leaves behind her siblings, Royce Whitehead (Louise), Nancy Daniel (Russ), Wanda Phares (Terry), and Jim Whitehead (Pam), as well as extended family and friends who will miss her deeply.
Carolyn’s legacy of love, strength, and family connection will live on in those who were fortunate enough to know her. While she will be missed beyond words, her spirit remains in the bonds she nurtured and the love she shared.
Visitation will be held Sunday, October 12, 2025 at 1:00pm at Harrell Funeral Home. Services to follow at Harrell Funeral Home at 2:00pm and interment at New Dublin Liveoak Cemetery.
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