Carolyn “Big Sue, Gran Grans, CT, Carolina” Teas Schupp was born December 27, 1951 in Freeport, Texas. Carolyn passed peacefully on June 4, 2021, in Lake Jackson, Texas. In her final days, she was surrounded with love and care by her beloved son, Keith Schupp, her husband for many years, Kenny Schupp and sister, Iris “Nell” Teas. Carolyn was and will remain this big, bright, loving gift in this sometimes upside down world.

Growing up, Carolyn was always the consummate tomboy preferring to play outdoors and battling every attempt to fix her hair or put on “church going” dresses. As a young girl and teen she enjoyed running, was a competitive tennis player, and star softball player. In between she spent hours perfecting gymnastic feats for cheerleading.

Carolyn graduated from Brazosport High School in 1970. She then went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts in Education from the University of Houston. She was a dance instructor and elementary school teacher in Angleton ISD from 1977-1990. During this time, she also competed in many fun runs such as the Firecracker 4 and co-owned and taught at Sweats, an aerobics studio.

In the early nineties she left the teaching field to start a successful insurance agency with Farmers Insurance. In 1994, the Tenneco Marathon would be the first of three Houston marathons she completed. After selling her business, Carolyn returned to the teaching field working in Houston ISD at Sherman Elementary, then Edison Middle School developing youth programs and securing funds and grants. In this period Carolyn also coordinated summer camps for After School All Stars of Greater Houston and served as a grant writer and program director for 21st Century Learning. Since 2006 she had worked as a Grant Coordinator at Chavez High School in Houston ISD. In this role Carolyn helped obtain funding for school programs focused on youth development such as the Houston Marathon Running Team, Junior Achievement, and afterschool classes involving sports, dance, fitness, and cooking.

Most striking in recollections of Carolyn was her love of family and of youth. The beach was Carolyn’s “happy place”. Surrounding herself with sunshine and the simple treasures in nature made her life work. She loved watching cooking shows and preparing meals for her family. Among her favorites were Thai, chicken and dumplings, pot roast, and cornbread. Spending time with her Boston Terriers, Beetlejuice, Rufus, Rocket, and Tommy was an endless source of joy and play over the last 13 years. Carolyn loved every moment she was able to be at school and make a positive impact on students and within the teaching community. She was constantly seeking ways to boost self-confidence and self-esteem in the lives of children. The success of her efforts was evidenced in the many letters she received from former students whose lives she opened up enabling them to then unlock and express their own avenues in life. Carolyn knew no strangers, only an opportunity to make someone smile or be able to change their circumstances without their knowing.

Carolyn was preceded in death by her brother, Henry D. Teas III; her father, Henry D. Teas II; and her mother, Sula Mae Teas.

She leaves behind her two older sisters, Sharyne Fields, and Nell Teas, both residing in Austin. Carolyn will be fondly remembered by her mother-in-law, Mrs. Alta Mae Schupp, of Denton; brother-in-law, Phil Schupp and wife, Lynda, of Denton; brother-in-law, Chris Schupp and wife, Kathy, of Rowlett; brother-in-law, Bert Schupp and wife, Jackie, of Hallsville; and brother-in-law, Donald Marburg, of Austin. She also leaves behind many cherished nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to express their appreciation and gratitude to the staff of IPH Hospice who supported Keith and Kenny in the care of Carolyn. No formal service is scheduled.

In lieu of sending flowers the family asks that people choose to donate to a favored charity, or simply gift someone with an act of kindness. Correspondence may be mailed to Keith or Kenny at P.O. Box 3665, Lake Jackson, Texas, 77566.

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