Carolyn K. Thomas

On April 16, 2026, Carolyn K Thomas passed peacefully at the age of 96, taking her infectious smile to heaven. Born in Houston, Texas, Carolyn greeted everyone she met with unparalleled warmth. As she liked to say, "Carolyn needs people." And we needed her.

Her husband Jim was the love of her life. Married for 62 years, these two Texans grew to love Oklahoma where they raised their three children in a nurturing home sparkling with quick wit, intelligence, and down-to-earth fun. Her friends describe Carolyn as a kind, constant, and classy friend. For the family, she was our teacher, protector, and inspiration.

Always on the move, Carolyn's best friend observed, "Carolyn doesn't sit well." On any given day, you might find Carolyn gardening, hosting a luncheon for Petroleum Landwives, or handing out ice cream cups as homeroom mother at St. Eugene's Catholic School.

On another day, she would be playing tennis or swimming at the OKC tennis club, refinishing an antique dresser, or playing "social" bridge. Carolyn cared about looking her best, never leaving home without checking her lipstick. Carolyn loved bargain hunting, whether it be buying fabric to sew an easter dress or hunting for antiques.

She turned her passion for antiques into her own business, "Carolyn's Keepsakes," becoming the foremost (and warmest) expert on estate/vintage jewelry in Oklahoma City for over 25 years. Young couples turned to Carolyn to find uniquely perfect engagement rings.

After Jim preceded her in death, Carolyn moved to Denver to be near her eldest daughter. Still, her unwavering smile continued to brighten every room. Throughout her long life, Carolyn remained a devout Catholic, whose love for God and family anchored all she did. We can only imagine the pure joy of her heavenly reunion with her beloved husband Jim. Now her brightness lights up the skies.

She is survived by her daughter Kathryn Cowling and son-in-law John Cowling of Denver, Colorado; her daughter Gail Thomas of Los Angeles, California; her son Richard Thomas and daughter-in-law Veronica Thomas of Dallas, Texas. She was also blessed with six grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild — a living testament to a life lovingly lived.

A funeral mass will be celebrated at 11am on April 27th at St. Eugene's Catholic Church 2400 W. Hefner Road, Oklahoma City, OK 73120. An interment will follow at Resurrection Memorial Cemetery.