Carole Elizabeth Stringer

Carole Elizabeth Stringer, of The Woodlands and Winnsboro, TX, left her earthly home November 8, 2026 at the age 73 surrounded by loved ones.

Carole was born March 14, 1953 to Ira and Shirley Preston in Houston, TX. As the youngest of 4 siblings and the only girl, she was happily doted on by her older brothers and thoroughly spoiled by aunts and uncles. She graduated from Channelview High School in 1971 and then earned a Bachelor's degree in Sociology from the University of Texas at Austin. While in college, she was a member of the Longhorn marching band and volunteered in various political arenas, including campaigning and election poling activities.

After being encouraged by a mutual friend to write to a homesick Airman, the two developed a relationship and were later married and started a family.

Carole spent her early career working in Downtown Houston, before deciding to "retire from the rat race" and move to the country. Though she worked for and eventually retired from the State of Texas after many years, she had an entrepreneurial spirit and was always starting new adventures to satisfy that drive.

Later in life, she was blessed to find love again and married Wayne Stringer on March 15, 2011. The two of them shared a love of fishing and of travel and hit the road or set sail on a cruise whenever they could.

Carole was a loving mother, sister, grandmother, aunt, and friend. She adored her family and cherished spending time with them, whether passing on family recipes to the kids and grandkids or traveling the world with a large family group. Her unmistakable laugh was infectious, and once she got started, whoever she was with was sure to join in and soon be gasping for air and wiping happy tears.

Carole loved the Lord, and even though she wasn't able to attend many services in person, she was a devoted online viewer and she and Wayne enjoyed singing along from their den during the worship service.

Carole is survived by her loving husband, Wayne Stringer of The Woodlands, son Bryan Clappe, and his wife, Meggan, of Cortez, CO; daughter Jennifer Ingram, and her husband, Brant, of Winnsboro, TX; grandchildren Zayne, Zarren, and Zoë of CO and OR; brother Doug Preston and his wife Millie, brother Wayne Preston and his wife Mya, sister-in-law Arlene Preston, bonus daughters Katie Stringer, Annie Brandt, and Mayosha Dotson, and numerous nieces and nephews, who she loved dearly, and of course, her beloved dog Sami.

Carole was welcomed to her eternal home by our gracious and loving Father, and greeted by far too many loved ones to list, but we surely imagine that her precious daddy and cherished brother, Ray, were elbowing their way to the front of the line. Though we grieve her absence on this earth, we know our separation is only temporary and look forward to our Heavenly reunion.

In lieu of flowers, those who wish to honor Carole are encouraged donate to a local animal rescue of their choice.