Carolyn Hawkins Byrd, born on November 17th, 1943, gained her Angel wings on August 20, 2024.  She was a kindhearted and modest woman with an illustrious career in law enforcement. She graduated from Bellaire H.S. in Bellaire, TX and then, from Stephen F. Austin with a degree in Psychology and Sociology.  After graduating, she worked as a social worker and child advocate. She earned her Master's Degree from Sam Houston State in Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice.  When she learned that the Corpus Christi Police Department was hiring, she applied.  She was sworn in as an officer with CCPD, in 1970. She later became one of the first women accepted into the FBI Academy.  She was promoted up through the ranks of the CCPD and finally to Captain in 1982.  She was the first Woman Captain of a Police Dept. in the entire state of Texas.  She retired from CCPD in 2000, after 30 years of service. She and her husband Jerry Byrd, a State Trooper for over 30 years, made their home on Padre Island, where they loved to fish and entertain friends and neighbors.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Minnie Lee and John Hawkins, her sister, Ann Schulz and her husband, Jerry Byrd.

She is survived by her niece, Terri Guidry of Baton Rouge, La. and her niece, Melanie O'Flaherty (husband Jim) of Dallas.

She had the most generous and sweet heart and would want to thank her longtime caregivers, Leeandra Villarreal, Reyes Coronado, & Gayle McGregor.

We also want to thank the staff at The Viera Sr. Living and Gentiva Hospice.

"Our Memories of you will linger on, long after your footprints in the sand are gone."

Carolyn's celebration of life  will be held on Friday, September 6, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at Guardian funeral home chapel 5922 Crosstown, Corpus Christi, Texas 78417.