Carolyn Anne Houlihan McGee, 82, of Kerrville, Texas., died at New Haven Kerrville Assisted Living on November 13, 2024, after a long illness.
Carolyn was born in Peoria, Illinois, on October 7, 1942, to the late Robert Houlihan and the late Elizabeth Anne (Bliss) Houlihan. Carolyn’s birth name was “Caroline,” but she declared her strong preference for the name “Carolyn” while still a child and insisted on using her preferred first name for the rest of her life.
Carolyn grew up in Galesburg, Illinois, and graduated from Galesburg High School in 1960. She married James (Jim) McGee in East Peoria, in 1962, and this marriage of high-school sweethearts continued for almost 61 years. Jim preceded her in death, as did her younger son, Kevin McGee of East Moline, Ill. Surviving are Carolyn’s older son, Brian McGee, and his wife, Marsha, of Quincy, Ill. Also surviving are Carolyn’s two grandchildren and one step-grandchild and Carolyn’s brother, Daniel Houlihan, of Galesburg, Ill.
After attending Bradley University for two years, where she studied music, Carolyn later graduated from Ball State University in Muncie, Ind., in 1969. She would go on to earn a master’s degree in education from Ball State. Carolyn spent nearly her entire career as an elementary school teacher in Fairmount, Ind., where she taught second or third grade for a quarter-century. As a teacher, Carolyn was known for her patience, kindness, and steady disposition. Following in her footsteps, her son, Brian, would go on to a career as a university professor, administrator, and president.
Carolyn and Jim lived in Anderson, Ind., and in Summitville, Ind., during their working years, after which they retired to Utopia, Tex.
Carolyn had a lifetime passion for horses and, at different times, owned Arabians, half-Arabs, Pintos, and Quarter Horses. Her homes in Summitville and Utopia were purchased to allow ample land and space for her horses (and Jim’s classic cars). After buying her first horse while in college, she would continuously keep horses for almost 60 years. For much of her adult life, Carolyn would spend each summer at horse shows in Indiana and surrounding states. Her stables in Indiana and Texas were decorated with numerous trophies won at horse shows by Carolyn and her children. Carolyn also served as a 4-H Horse and Pony leader for over 20 years, both in Alexandria, Ind., and Utopia, Tex.
Beyond her love for horses, Carolyn was an accomplished vocalist and sang first or second soprano in various choral ensembles sponsored by church and community groups. Carolyn particularly enjoyed many years as a member of the 1,000-voice choir that was central to the famous and much-loved Marion (Ind.) Easter Pageant.
Following her retirement and move to Texas, Carolyn was an active member of the Utopia (Tex.) United Methodist Church, until their declining health required that Carolyn and Jim move to Kerrville. While in Utopia, Carolyn volunteered regularly at the local library and the local senior center. She so regularly made and brought large quantities of iced tea to community events that she was known as the “tea lady” by many Utopia residents.
Carolyn’s funeral arrangements will be made with the assistance and direction of Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors in Galesburg. She will be buried next to Jim and Kevin at Galesburg’s East Linwood Cemetery. Services and burial have not yet been scheduled. Instead of flowers, please consider gifts to support the Utopia United Methodist Church (P.O. Box 388, Utopia, Tex. 78884) or the St. Francis Solanus Chapel at Quincy University (Ill.). For more information about a gift to Quincy University, see https://www.quincy.edu/support-qu/how-to-make-a-gift/. Online condolences may be offered at www.h-p-w.com
