Carolyn Sue Rush

Carolyn Sue “Carol” Rush, 78, of Lubbock, Texas, passed away peacefully on October 5, 2025. She was born on March 4, 1947, in Menard, Texas, to Thora Glenn (Blankenship) Stevens and Narres Elder Evan Stevens. For 56 years, Carol devoted her life and her hands to the beauty profession. 

Early in her career, she found a way to bring light and care to others by opening several "Lovely Lady Beauty Salon" shops in nursing homes, turning her work into a heartfelt ministry of service and connection. Carol was a member of Church on the Rock for the past 20 years, where her faith and compassion touched many.

She loved shopping—especially for antiques and treasures—and was a passionate doll collector, with more than 500 dolls in her cherished collection. Her greatest joy, though, was being “Nana,” not only to her beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren but also to the neighborhood children who loved her dearly. Carol and her husband, Johnny, shared many adventures together, traveling across the country on his motorcycle and creating memories that will last forever.

She is survived by her loving husband, Johnny Lee Rush; children Johnny R. Rush (Kristi) and Katrina Lee Smith (Scott); sisters Elizabeth Handel and Judy Stevens; grandchildren Kamerin Schacht (Spencer), Bransen Smith (Peyton), and Cayman Smith (Madison McWater); and great-grandchildren Scarlett Schacht and Sage Schacht. Carol was preceded in death by her parents, Thora Glenn (Blankenship) Stevens and Narres Elder Evan Stevens. Carol’s legacy of kindness, generosity, and joy will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

In Lieu of Flowers, please make a donation to St. Jude's to honor Carol's memory, https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html