Carole Dee Rushing Lay
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Carole Dee Rushing Lay
May 3, 1948~July 8, 2016
Carole Dee Rushing Lay, 68, was killed in a two-car crash Friday, July 8, 2016 on US 281 near Marble Falls, Texas.
She was born May 3, 1948 in Baytown to Nona Rushing and the late Ray Rushing.
Ms. Lay moved to Marble Falls in 2012 and immediately became involved in the community. She was an active member of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church where she taught adult Bible study and was a member of the Sisters of the King, a women’s organization supporting the church.
She participated in the Mystery Book Club.
A 1966 graduate of Robert E. Lee High School in Baytown, Ms. Lay continued her education at Trinity University in San Antonio where she graduated in 1970 with a degree in history and teacher certification.
In addition to her Trinity degree she earned a master’s in educational administration from the University of Alaska-Juneau.
She was also certified to teach English as a second language.
Shortly after graduating from Trinity, she married J. Stephen Lay and the two embarked on an odyssey together taking them from Texas to Alaska, Washington, Montana, Africa, The Bahamas and Thailand before returning to Texas.
Carole like to say, “We’ve moved 29 times in 46 years and each time was a new adventure.” She was also an avid traveler visiting several countries including England, France, Italy, Malaysia, South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe and Israel.
She was a passionate professional.
Among her adventures was teaching English to a generation of Eskimo and Indian students; teaching basic skills in the Royal Bahamian Prison in The Bahamas; and teaching English as a second language to Asian students in Thailand.
While much of her career was in education, she also worked as a social worker and tourism consultant.
She was an avid reader and volunteer.
She loved spending time with friends and family, particularly her young grandchildren.
Some of her fondest memories involved sharing a meal and dessert with friends and/or family, while sharing stories and laughing.
She was loved by many and will be remembered for her kindness, compassion and dedication to family while living life to the fullest.
She is survived by her husband, J. Stephen Lay; her mother, Nona Rushing; her sister, Jeani Rushing Currie; brother-in-law Marvin Currie; daughters Katie and Stephanie Lay; son-in-laws Roy Bodayla and Chris Williams; four beloved grandchildren; nephews Mark L. Reed and Matthew R. Reed, Sr. and wife Amy and their three children, many cousins, extended family members and loving friends.
Her family wishes to thank everyone who has reached out with healing words of love and support during this tragic time.
Two celebrations of life in her memory are scheduled.
The first memorial service will be at 6 p.m., Thursday, July 14, 2016 at Baytown Faith Presbyterian Church, 3900 N. Main, Baytown, Texas.
Officiating this memorial will be the Reverend Dr. Jim Gill.
The second memorial service will be at 2 p.m., Saturday, July 16, 2016 at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Cypress Mills, Texas.
Officiating this memorial will be Father Tommie Bye.
The family asks in lieu of flowers please donate in Carole’s name to the St. Luke’s Episcopal Church Building Fund, Cypress Mill, Texas, your local library, or an organization protecting elephants.
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