Carolyn Jane Pillans

Carolyn Jane Pillans peacefully entered the arms of Jesus on Friday, September 12, 2025, after a courageous battle with leukemia. She was born April 7, 1947, in Corsicana, Texas, to Nathan Hampton Elliott and Dana Rose Arnett Elliott. Carolyn spent her childhood years in east Texas where her father worked for United Gas Company for many years. When she was 16, he passed away unexpectedly so she, along with her mother and sisters, moved back to Corsicana to be close to family. She graduated from Corsicana High School in 1965, and shortly after, she attended classes at Navarro College. She would often say that she took about every class they had to offer at the time. She worked for Southwestern Bell Telephone Company and then Liberty Mutual Insurance. She met Gary Myrle Pillans before he left for Vietnam. Gary was severely injured in the war, but she remained strong until his return to the States and throughout his recovery. They married on August 13, 1971 and moved into the home that they built. They raised three children there. As long as she was able, she worked faithfully beside Gary at their now 53 year old business, B & G Auto Parts. She was known for her unwavering dedication to organization and meticulous bookkeeping skills. Carolyn was a member of First Baptist Church of Corsicana, where for many years she could be found in the family’s usual spot on Sunday mornings and evenings—four pews back in the right front section, sitting with Gary and her kids. Her life was marked by a steadfast love for the Lord and her family, service, and creativity. She was gifted with elaborate sewing skills and a keen eye for detail. She was able to make just about anything, and she loved to quilt when she found the time. As a devoted mother, she poured her heart into everything she did-- making clothes for her children, volunteering at their schools, ensuring they were always at church, and no matter what, she always had supper on the table at 5:30. She and Gary also opened their home to several foreign exchange students who became their family, as well, throughout the years. Later, she shared the same love and dedication to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren who knew her as “Momo”. She was preceded in death by her parents, Nathan Elliott and Dana (Elliott) Bonner; step-father, Lowell Bonner; and daughter, Laurie Ann Pillans Horn. Survivors include her husband, Gary Myrle Pillans; daughter, Cindy Black and husband, Stanley; son, Brian Pillans and wife, Danielle; grandchildren, Holly, Brooke, Nathan, Drew, and Riley Pair, Ryan and Hunter Pillans, Addie Burke, Ashley Horn Cunningham, and Tommy Horn; great-grandchildren, Keegan and Konner Dozier, London Norris, Cadence, Caleb, and Corbin Bancroft, and Brynlee, Easton, and Weston Horn; sisters, Georgia Elliott and Tina Pilkinton; aunt, Joann Tomlin; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and friends. Visitation will be from 6-8pm Sunday, September 14, 2025, at Griffin-Roughton Funeral Home. Funeral service will be 10am Monday, September 15, 2025, at First Baptist Church of Corsicana with Bro. Jeff Fitzhugh officiating. Burial will follow at St. Elmo Cemetery in the Winkler-St. Elmo community with graveside service officiated by Bro. Charles Grasty. Pallbearers will be Nathan Pair, Drew Pair, Riley Pair, Ryan Pillans, Hunter Pillans, Jesse Hodges, Brian Jennings, and Adam Minze. Honorary pallbearers are Steve Andrus, Mike Brashear, Kevin Eubanks, and Robert Thurston. The family would like to thank all who have prayed incessantly for Carolyn and her family throughout the past few years. Her legacy of love, service, and devotion lives on in the lives of those that she leaves behind. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. And now the prize awaits me-- the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of His return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to His appearing. 2 Timothy 4:7-8 In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in her name to the Hope Center, Hamilton-Beeman Cemetery PO Box 606 Corsicana, Texas 75151, St. Elmo Cemetery PO Box 215 Streetman, Texas 75859.

Carolyn Jane Pillans

April 7, 1947 - September 12, 2025