Carolyn Jo Clapp Costin

Carolyn Jo Clapp Costin, 83, of Fort Worth, Texas, passed away peacefully on June 24, 2025. She was born on December 29, 1941, in Shelbyville, Indiana, to Harold and Barbara Eades Clapp.

Carolyn graduated from McKinney High School in 1959, where she was a majorette. She pursued higher education at the University of North Texas and the University of Texas at Austin. In a testament to her determination and lifelong love of learning, Carolyn graduated Summa Cum Laude from Texas Women's University in 1991, just three weeks shy of her 50th birthday. She went on to earn a Master's degree in Psychology from TWU.

It was in Austin, TX where Carolyn’s life would be changed forever. Davie Costin spotted her at a traffic light and asked her out for a beer. Carolyn countered with an offer of a Coke, and that simple beverage began a 60-year love affair. They married on July 1, 1961, and in 1969, they moved to Gainesville, TX, where they would raise their family. Their union blessed them with five children, ten grandchildren, and four (soon to be five) great-grandchildren.

Carolyn's life centered around her deep faith in Jesus Christ and her devotion to family. She was an active church member throughout her life and found joy in playing piano and singing hymns. As a stay-at-home mom, Carolyn worked tirelessly to maintain a warm, clean home and care for her children and extended family. Later in life, she pursued a career as a counselor for troubled teens and a teacher at Irving High School.

Carolyn radiated kindness, illustrating her faith in action. She lived by James 1:22, "But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only..." Always willing to provide a warm meal or a comforting hug, Carolyn never expected anything in return for her generosity. She was most generous with her time, never too busy for those who loved her or needed her help. From watching grandchildren to caring for her Grandma Eades and the "Grannies and Bob," Carolyn always found time to be a "doer."

Above all else, Carolyn was a mother. She poured her heart into raising her five children, with boundless and unwavering love. She nurtured their strengths, guided them through struggles, and celebrated every milestone. Her legacy lives on in each of them—in their kindness and their deep capacity to love. Though small in stature, Carolyn made a giant impact on many lives.

Carolyn was preceded in death by her husband, Davie Costin, and son, Charlie Costin. She is survived by her children: Kelley Rowland (Brandon) of Plano, TX, Kristina Mayo of Azle, TX, Amy Tarr (Joe) of Fort Worth, TX, and Cathy Spivey (Doug) of Keller, TX; her grandchildren: Hannah McLain (Taylor), Jackson Rowland, Isabella Rowland, Emily Tarr, Evan Tarr, Jenna Morgan (Caleb), Molly Tierny (Sean), JD Spivey, Noah Spivey (fiancée Sam), and Elizabeth Spivey; two great-grandsons, two great-granddaughters, and one great-grandson on the way. She is also survived by her sister Linda (Chick) Sullivan and husband Joe of McKinney, nephews Mike and Steve Sullivan, and niece Katie Sullivan.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the caregivers and staff at Riverside Oxford Memory Care in Fort Worth, TX, for their compassionate care.

A service to celebrate Carolyn's life will be held on July 12, 2025, at 10:30 am at George J. Carroll & Son Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to the Alzheimer's Association.

Carolyn's beautiful relationship with the world around her, her unwavering faith, and her fierce loyalty to family will be deeply missed and forever cherished by all who knew her. While we mourn her passing, we also celebrate her journey and the way she made us all feel—loved. Well done, thy good and faithful servant.